SHILLONG, India, April 23 -- Meghalaya High Court issued the following judgment/order on March 23:
1. Heard Ms. A.D. Sharma, learned Legal Aid Counsel for the applicant, who has submitted that the applicant has filed an appeal before this Court, being aggrieved by the impugned judgment of conviction dated 22.03.2024 and related order of sentence dated 28.03.2024 passed by the Court of the learned Special Judge (POCSO), East Khasi Hills, Shillong in Special POCSO Case No. 61 of 2019.
2. However, because the applicant is an illiterate and poor person hailing from a remote area with very limited access of legal assistance and financial means, his family could not afford to appoint a private counsel, therefore, legal aid was sought for, and accordingly, this application was process through Legal Aid Counsel.
3. In the meantime, while preferring an appeal, a delay of 655 days has occurred, for which prayer is made that the delay be condoned and the appeal be admitted.
4. Mr. R. Gurung, learned GA appearing for the State respondent has no objection to the prayer for condonation of the delay.
5. On consideration of the submission made, we find that there are good grounds for the appeal to be heard on merits. Accordingly, the delay of 655 days in preferring the appeal is hereby condoned.
6. Registry is directed to diarize the appeal and list it for admission on 01.04.2026.
7. Misc. Case disposed of.
Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.
