Meghalaya High Court
Meghalaya vs Nongstoin on 29 July, 2026
Author: W. Diengdoh
Bench: W. Diengdoh
2026:MLHC:785-DB
Serial No. 01
Supplementary List
HIGH COURT OF MEGHALAYA
AT SHILLONG
Crl.M.C. No. 155 of 2026
Date of Decision: 29.07.2026
Shri. Yesterning Marngar,
S/o Shri (L) K. Khardewsaw,
R/o Rwiang Village,
P.S Nongstoin,
West Khasi Hills District,
Meghalaya.
......... Applicant
-Vs-
State of Meghalaya through
Superintendent of Police,
West Khasi Hills District,
Nongstoin, Meghalaya.
......... Respondent
Coram:
Hon'ble Mr. Justice W. Diengdoh, Judge
Hon'ble Mr. Justice B. Bhattacharjee, Judge
Appearance:
For the Petitioner/Applicant(s) : Ms. C.R. Marak, Adv. vice
Ms. S. Nongsiej, LAC.
For the Respondent(s) : Mr. Atiar S. Dey, GA.
i) Whether approved for reporting in Yes/No
Law journals etc.:
ii) Whether approved for publication
in press: Yes/No
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2026:MLHC:785-DB
Per W. Diengdoh, (J):
JUDGMENT AND ORDER (ORAL)
1. Heard Ms. C.R. Marak, learned counsel appearing on behalf of Ms.
S. Nongsiej, learned Legal Aid Counsel for the applicant, who has submitted
that the applicant/convict has preferred an appeal before this Court against the
impugned judgment and related order of sentence dated 29.02.2024 passed by
the Court of the learned Special Judge (POCSO), West Khasi Hills District,
Nongstoin in Special (POCSO) Case No. 16 of 2023, whereby, he was convicted
and sentenced to undergo minimum rigorous imprisonment for a period of
20(twenty) years with fine of ₹ 50,000/- (Rupees fifty thousand) only, and in
default thereof, to undergo further simple imprisonment of 3(three) months for
an offence punishable under Section 6 of the POCSO Act, for an offence
punishable under Section 10 POCSO Act, the applicant/convict is sentenced to
suffer minimum rigorous imprisonment of 5(five) years with fine of ₹ 20,000/-
(Rupees twenty thousand) only, and in default of payment of fine, to undergo
further 2(two) months simple imprisonment, and for the offence punishable
under Section 506 IPC Second Part, the applicant/convict is sentenced to
undergo minimum rigorous imprisonment for a period of 2(two) years with fine
of ₹ 10,000/- (Rupees ten thousand) only, and in default of payment of fine, to
undergo further simple imprisonment of 1(one) month.
2. However, while preferring an appeal, a delay of 816 days has
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occurred, due to circumstances which is beyond the control of the
applicant/convict, since he belongs to the below poverty line working as a daily
labourer, and his family members are also not aware of his legal rights to file
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 Legal Aid Counsel. It
is therefore prayed that the delay be condoned and the appeal be admitted.
3. Mr. Atiar S. Dey, learned GA appearing for the State respondent has
no objection to the prayer for condonation of the delay.
4. On consideration of the submission made, we are persuaded to allow
this application on being satisfied that the grounds cited for the delay contain
sufficient cause. Accordingly, the delay of 816 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.
(B. Bhattacharjee) (W. Diengdoh)
Judge Judge
Signature Not Verified 3
Digitally signed by
DARIKORDOR NARY
Date: 2026.07.29 20:16:49 IST
