Meghalaya High Court
West Jaintia Hills District vs Civil Secretariat on 13 July, 2026
Author: W. Diengdoh
Bench: W. Diengdoh
2026:MLHC:707-DB
Serial No. 05
Regular List
HIGH COURT OF MEGHALAYA
AT SHILLONG
Crl.M.C. No. 129 of 2026
Date of Decision: 13.07.2026
Shri. Gentlyness Paslein
Son of Smti. Phsan Paslein
(Convict presently serving sentence in
Correctional Home & Prisons, Jowai)
Resident of Nongryngkoh,
West Jaintia Hills District, Meghalaya.
......... Applicant
-Vs-
State of Meghalaya through the
Commissioner & Secretary to the
Government of Meghalaya,
Department of Home (Police),
Civil Secretariat, Shillong)
......... Respondent
Coram:
Hon'ble Mr. Justice W. Diengdoh, Judge
Hon'ble Mr. Justice B. Bhattacharjee, Judge
Appearance:
For the Petitioner/Applicant(s) : Ms. N.M. Kharshemlang, LAC.
For the Respondent(s) : Mrs. N.G. Shylla, Sr. GA with
Ms. Z.E. Nongkynrih, GA.
i) Whether approved for reporting in Yes/No
Law journals etc.:
1
2026:MLHC:707-DB
ii) Whether approved for publication
in press: Yes/No
Per W. Diengdoh, (J):
JUDGMENT AND ORDER (ORAL)
1. Heard Ms. N.M. Kharshemlang, learned Legal Aid Counsel for the
applicant, who has submitted that the applicant has preferred an appeal before
this Court against the impugned judgment dated 13.10.2025 and related order of
sentence dated 16.10.2025 passed by the Court of the learned Special Judge
(POCSO), West Jaintia Hills District, Jowai in Special (POCSO) Case No. 6 of
2016, whereby, he was convicted and sentenced to undergo imprisonment for a
period of 12(twelve) years with fine of ₹ 10,000/- (Rupees ten thousand) only,
and in default thereof, to undergo another 6(six) months imprisonment for an
offence punishable under Section 4 of the POCSO Act.
2. However, while preferring an appeal, a delay of 205 days has
occurred, due to circumstances which is beyond the control of the applicant,
lacking financial support and has no means to engage a private counsel, as such,
he could not prefer an appeal within the statutory period. Thus, 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. Mrs. N.G. Shylla, learned Sr. GA assisted by Ms. Z.E. Nongkynrih,
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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 205 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: 2026.07.13 19:39:11 IST
