Mohammad Rafiq Shaikh v. State Of Maharashtra And ANR.

8-ia-549-23

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT BOMBAY

CRIMINAL APPELLATE JURISDICTION INTERIM APPLICATION NO. 549 OF 2023 IN CRIMINAL APPEAL (ST) NO. 2382 OF 2023 Mohammad Rafiq Shaikh ..Applicant

Versus

The State of Maharashtra & Anr.

..Respondents __________ Mr. Irfan A. Shaikh (Appointed Advocate) for Applicant. Mr. S. R. Agarkar, APP for State/Respondent No.1. __________ CORAM : SARANG V. KOTWAL, J.

DATE : 13 FEBRUARY 2023 PC :

1.

This is an application for condonation of delay of one year and 160 days in filing the Appeal challenging the Judgment and order dated 24/06/2021 passed by Designated Court under POCSO, Kolhapur, in Special POCSO Case No.20 of 2016. This Appeal and the companion applications are preferred with the assistance of a legal aid counsel appointed by Legal Services Authority of this Court.

2.

Learned counsel for the applicant submitted that the Digitally signed by VINOD BHASKAR GOKHALE Date:

2023.02.14 14:44:19 +0530 applicant is in a poor financial condition. He could not afford to VINOD BHASKAR GOKHALE Gokhale

8-ia-549-23 engage a private lawyer and, therefore, he could not take immediate steps for preferring the Appeal and therefore, there is a delay.

3.

Considering these submissions and in the interest of justice, the delay of one year and 160 days in filing the appeal is condoned. The Appeal be processed further.

4.

The Application is disposed of.

(SARANG V. KOTWAL, J.)