Chongtham Ronald Singh v. State of Manipur

Suppl 1 (1-2) IN THE HIGH COURT OF MANIPUR AT IMPHAL

MC (Crl.A) No.36 of 2025 with MC (Crl.A) No.30 of 2025

Chongtham Ronaldo Singh … Applicant -Versus-

State of Manipur

… Respondent

BEFORE HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE A.GUNESHWAR SHARMA

2.9.2025

This unlisted matter is taken up on mention due to urgency involved.

Heard Mr.Ajoy Pebam, learned counsel for the applicant/appellant on behalf of the High Court Legal Service Committee and Mr.Y.Ashang, learned PP.

The petitioner was convicted in connectin with FIR No.36(7)2015 WPS/IW under Section 6 of the POCSO Act and awarded to undergo RI for a period of 12 years and till then he has undergone 10 years 3 months. Vide order dated 29.8.2025 passed in MC (Crl.A) Nos.30 of 2025 and 33 of 2025, the applicant was released on bail for five days in order to enable him to attend death anniversary of his deceased father and on the expiry of the said period, petitioner has to surrender before the Superintendent, Manipur Central Jail, Sajiwa and file affidavit to this Court in that regard and matter was listed on

3.9.2025. The applicant has to undergo the remaining period of sentence.

By MC (Cril Appeal) No.36 of 2025, the applicant prays for fifteen days time or till disposal of the Criminal Appeal. Mr.Y.Ashang, learned PP, opposed the present application as the petitioner was released on interim bail to enable him to attend death anniversary of his father, there is no reason for extension of the interim bail. Accordingly, this Misc Appln (Crl.A) No.36 of 2025 is rejected. The petitioner has to surrender before the S.P.Central Jail, Sajiwa, on

3.9.2025. MC (Crl A) No.30 of 2025

This is application for condonation of 1,632 days delay inn filing the appeal challenging the conviction order dated 19.12.2018 passed by the learned Special Judge, (POCSO), Imphal West passed in the Special Trial (POCSO) No.24 of 2015.

It is stated that after the conviction and imprisonment in pursuance of conviction order, the appellant could not take any initiative for filing appeal as his widow mother is not aware of filing any appeal. However, recently, the petitioner approached the Legal Aid Lawyer of the HCLSC and only after that he could take initiative to file appeal against the conviction.

In the circumstance, delay of 1,632 days has already occurred and is praying for and if the delay so caused is not condoned, the appellant shall suffer irreparable loss.

Mr.Y.Ashang, learned PP submits that 1632 days delay is a long delay. However, in the nature of the case, especially since the petitioner approached the legal aid at the very late stage, this Court may pass appropriate order.

This Court has considered the materials on record. Vide order dated 14.7.2025 passed by the Secretary, High Court Legal Services Committee, petitioner has been provided with the legal aid and Mr.Ajoy Pebam, learned counsel has been appointed legal aid counsel. In the circumstance, delay of 1,632 days in filing the accompanying appeal is condoned.

Registry is directed to number the Appeal and list the same on 4.9.2025.

Mr.Ajoy Pebam, learned counsel for the applicant is permitted to make necessary typographical correction in the main appeal.

JUDGE

Priyojit

RAJKUMA R PRIYOJIT SINGH by RAJKUMAR PRIYOJIT SINGH Date: 2025.09.02 17:17:21 +05'30'