30.04.2026 vs State Of Meghalaya Represented By Its on 30 April, 2026

Meghalaya High Court

Date Of Decision: 30.04.2026 vs State Of Meghalaya Represented By Its on 30 April, 2026

Author: W. Diengdoh

Bench: W. Diengdoh

                                                                      2026:MLHC:416



     Serial No. 03
     Supplementary List

                      HIGH COURT OF MEGHALAYA
                          AT SHILLONG
Crl.M.C. No. 78 of 2026
                                                         Date of Decision: 30.04.2026
Shri. Sambhu Ray
Son of Late Hardev Ray
Resident of Raghapur,
District Purvi Vaishali
Bihar.
                                                       ........ Petitioner
                                      - Vs-

State of Meghalaya represented by its
Secretary Home (Police) Department
Meghalaya.
                                                     ......... Opposite Party
Coram:
               Hon'ble Mr. Justice W. Diengdoh, Judge

Appearance:
For the Petitioner/Appellant(s)   :           Mr. M.F. Qureshi, Legal Aid Counsel.

For the Respondent(s)             :           Mrs. N.G. Shylla, Sr. GA with
                                              Mr. E.R. Chyne, GA.
i)       Whether approved for reporting in                       Yes/No
         Law journals etc.:

ii)      Whether approved for publication
         in press:                                               Yes/No

                      JUDGMENT AND ORDER (ORAL)

1. Heard Mr. M.F. Qureshi, learned Legal Aid Counsel for the

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SPONSORED

applicant, who has submitted that the applicant has filed an appeal before this

Court, being aggrieved and dissatisfied by the impugned judgment and related

order of sentence dated 16.07.2025 passed by the Court of the learned Special

Judge (POCSO), East Jaintia Hills District, Khliehriat in POCSO Case No. 16

of 2023, whereby, he was convicted and directed to undergo rigorous

imprisonment for a period of 7(seven) years with fine of ₹ 30,000/- (Rupees

thirty thousand) only for an offence punishable under Section 77 of the Juvenile

Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, and in default of payment

of fine, to undergo further simple imprisonment of 2(two) months.

2. However, while preferring an appeal, a delay of 226 days has

occurred, due to circumstances which is beyond the control of the applicant,

since he is from Bihar and his family members did not come forward to assist

him to file an appeal or to engage a private counsel. As such, he could not prefer

an appeal within the prescribed period of limitation. Thereafter, legal aid was

sought for, and accordingly, this application was processed through a Legal Aid

Counsel. It is therefore prayed that the delay be condoned and the appeal be

admitted.

3. Mrs. N.G. Shylla, learned Sr. GA assisted by Mr. E.R. Chyne,

learned GA appearing for the State respondent has no objection to the prayer for

condonation of the delay.

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2026:MLHC:416

4. On consideration of the submission made, this Court is inclined to

allow this application on being satisfied that the grounds cited for the delay

contain sufficient cause. Accordingly, the delay of 226 days in preferring the

appeal is hereby condoned.

5. Registry is directed to diarize the appeal and list it for admission after

1(one) week.

6. Misc. Case disposed of.

Judge

Signature Not Verified 3
Digitally signed by
DARIKORDOR NARY
Date: 2026.04.30 16:34:55 IST