Meghalaya High Court
Crl.M.C./144/2026 of SKENDARIUS WAHLANG Vs THE STATE OF MEGHALAYA on 29 July 2026
2026:MLHC:790
No. 04 Regular List HIGH COURT OF MEGHALAYA AT SHILLONG Crl.M.C. No. 144 of 2026 Date of Decision: 29.07.2026 Shri. Skendarius Wahlang, Son of Late Khro Sangriang Resident of Domsohpian, South West Khasi Hills District, Mawkyrwat. .…….. Applicant/Accused -Vs- The State of Meghalaya
Serial No. 04
Regular List
HIGH COURT OF MEGHALAYA
AT SHILLONG
Crl.M.C. No. 144 of 2026
Date of Decision: 29.07.2026
Shri. Skendarius Wahlang,
Son of Late Khro Sangriang
Resident of Domsohpian,
South West Khasi Hills District,
Mawkyrwat.
.…….. Applicant/Accused
-Vs-
The State of Meghalaya represented by the Public Prosecutor, East Khasi Hills District, Shillong, Meghalaya.
……… Respondent
Coram:
Hon’ble Mr. Justice W. Diengdoh, Judge
Hon’ble Mr. Justice B. Bhattacharjee, Judge Appearance:
For the Petitioner/Applicant(s)
:
Ms. D. Warjri, LAC.
For the Respondent(s)
:
Mr. R. Gurung, GA.
i)
Whether approved for reporting in
Yes/No
Law journals etc.:
ii)
Whether approved for publication
in press:
Yes/No
Page 1 of 3
Per W. Diengdoh, (J):
JUDGMENT AND ORDER (ORAL)
1. Heard Ms. D. Warjri, 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 dated 28.05.2025 and related order of sentence dated 06.06.2025 passed by the Court of the learned Special Judge (POCSO), South West Khasi Hills District, Mawkyrwat in Special (POCSO) Case No. 23 of 2021, whereby, he was convicted and sentenced to undergo rigorous imprisonment for a period of 20(twenty) years with fine of ₹ 20,000/- (Rupees twenty thousand) only, and in default thereof, to undergo further simple imprisonment of 1(one) month for an offence punishable under Section 5(m)/6 of the POCSO Act.
2. However, while preferring an appeal, a delay of 381 days has occurred, due to circumstances which is beyond the control of the applicant/convict, since he belongs from a poor financial background with no means 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 Legal Aid Counsel. It is therefore prayed that the delay be condoned and the appeal be admitted.
3. Mr. R. Gurung, learned GA appearing for the State respondent has
Page 2 of 3
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 381 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
Digitally signed by DARIKORDOR NARY Date: 2026.07.29 20:10:15 IST Signature Not Verified
Page 3 of 3
Loading citations and judicial treatment…