Serial No. 01 HIGH COURT OF MEGHALAYA Supplementary AT SHILLONG List Crl.Petn. No. 92 of 2023 Reserved on : 24.02.2026 Pronounced on: 12.03.2026

1. Shri Shalenbor Wahlang

2. Smti B ...Petitioners - versus -

1. State of Meghalaya represented by the Secretary, Government of Meghalaya, Home (Police) Department, East Khasi Hills District, Meghalaya.

2. Smti Skhemkeri Syiem ...Respondents Coram:

Hon’ble Mrs. Justice Revati Mohite Dere, Chief Justice Hon’ble Mr. Justice H.S.Thangkhiew, Judge Appearance:

For the Petitioners : Ms L. Khiangte, Adv.

Mr Th Rakesh, Adv.

For the Respondents : Mr A. Kumar, AG with Mr R. Gurung, Addl PP Mr A.H. Kharwanlang, Addl Sr GA Mr S.P. Mahanta, Amicus Curiae with Mr D. Dkhar, Adv.

i) Whether approved for Yes reporting in Law journals etc.:

ii) Whether approved for publication Yes in press:

JUDGMENT: (per the Hon’ble, the Chief Justice)

The aforesaid petition is placed before us pursuant to the reference made by the learned Single Judge (Hon’ble B. Bhattacharjee, J) vide order dated 12th June, 2024, in view of his disagreement with the judgment and order dated 23rd March, 2022 passed by the coordinate Bench (Hon’ble W. Diengdoh, J)

in Crl Petn No. 63 of 2021

2. Although,