Request for Extension of Appeal Period Submitted via Prison Officer
The Supreme Court ruled that a defendant’s appeal filed after the extended deadline should be accepted because the delay was due to force majeure—an uncontrollable circumstance.
Key Points:
The defendant requested an extension to appeal through a prison officer within the original deadline.
The court granted the extension, but the prison officer received the order after the extended deadline had passed.
The defendant filed the appeal soon after learning about the extension, but it was rejected by the Appeals Court Region 7 for being late.
The Supreme Court held that the late receipt of the court’s order by prison staff constituted force majeure, excusing the delay.
Thus, the trial court was permitted to allow another extension, and the appeal was deemed valid.
The Supreme Court ordered the Appeals Court to reconsider the case on its merits.
Legal Basis:
Criminal Procedure Code, Section 15 (Force majeure)
Civil Procedure Code, Section 23 (Time limit extensions