1 Appeal67-1548-16.odt
IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT BOMBAY
NAGPUR BENCH : NAGPUR
CRIMINAL APPEAL NO.67 OF 2015
WITH
CRIMINAL APPEAL NO. 48 OF 2016
…
CRIMINAL APPEAL NO.67 OF 2015
The State of Maharashtra,
through the Police Station Officer,
Ghuggus Police Station,
Tahsil and District Chandrapur. .. APPELLANT
.. Versus ..
Surajprasad @ Rajkumar s/o
Shivcharan Roy, aged about 49 years,
Occupation: Driver, R/o Sukaluthana,
Tahs. and District Chhindwara (M.P.)
presently Opposite Bank of India,
Chandrapur, Tah. and District
Chandrapur. .. RESPONDENT
Mr.S.M. Ukey, Additional Public Prosecutor for Appellant.
Mr. R.P. Thote, Advocate (Appointed) for Respondent.
….
CRIMINAL APPEAL NO.48 OF 2016
Surajprasad @ Rajkumar s/o
Shivcharan Roy, aged about 50 years,
Occupation: Driver, R/o Sukaluthana,
Tahsil and District Chhindwara (M.P.)
presently Opposite Bank of India,
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2 Appeal67-1548-16.odt
Chandrapur, Tah. and District
Chandrapur. .. APPELLANT
.. VERSUS..
The State of Maharashtra,
through Police Station Officer,
Police Station, Ghuggus,
Tah. and District Chandrapur. .. RESPONDENT
Mr. R.P. Thote, Advocate (Appointed) for Appellant.
Mr.S.M. Ukey, Additional Public Prosecutor for Respondent.
….
CORAM : R.K. Deshpande Manish Pitale, JJ.
RESERVED ON : August 08, 2017
PRONOUNCED ON : August 11, 2017.
JUDGMENT (per Manish Pitale, J. )
By this judgment we are disposing of two appeals.
Criminal Appeal No. 48 of 2016 has been filed by the accused
challenging the judgment and order dated 18.12.2014 passed
by the Special Court, Chandrapur in Special (Child) Case No. 8
of 2013, whereby the accused-appellant has been convicted
under Section 376(2)(f)(i) of the Indian Penal Code ( “IPC”)
read with Sections 4 and 6 of the Protection of Children from
Sexual Offences Act, 2012 (“POCSO Act”) and sentenced to
suffer rigorous imprisonment for 10 years and to pay fine of
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Rs.1,000/- and in default to suffer rigorous imprisonment for 3
months. Criminal Appeal No.67 of 2015 has been filed by the
State praying for enhancement of punishment, claiming that
the sentence imposed on the accused of rigorous
imprisonment for 10 years is inadequate, in the facts and
circumstances of the case.
2. The prosecution case is that on 14.07.2013 the
accused, stepfather of the victim/complainant (hereinafter
referred to as “the prosecutrix”), came to his house at about 1
p.m. and gave to Rs.10/- to the prosecutrix and Rs.2/- each to
her brothers for purchasing snacks from the grocery shop. The
children, including the prosecutrix, returned home at about
2.30 p.m., when the accused asked his sons to go and play
outside the house.
3. The accused then called the prosecutrix inside the
house, closing the door from inside and he put her on a mat on
the floor. He then removed her slack and knicker and
threatened her. The accused laid the prosecutrix on the mat
and upon removing his pant, he inserted his penis in the vagina
of the prosecutrix. Due to pain, she started weeping, upon
which her mother came to the house and knocked the door.
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The accused wore his clothes, opened the door and after
quarreling with the mother of the prosecutrix, he left the
house.
4. The mother (PW2) and a neighbor Vandana (PW4)
claimed to have seen the aforesaid incident from gap in the
door of the house.
5. The prosecutrix went along with her mother to the
Police Station and lodged an oral report on the same day i.e. on
14.07.2013, pursuant to which first information report (FIR
Exh.20) was registered on the same day against the accused
for having committed the offences under Sections 376(2)(f)
and 506 of the I.P.C. and Sections 4 and 6 of the POCSO Act.
The allegation by the prosecutrix, being a minor, of rape
against her own stepfather was a serious matter and the
investigating authority immediately referred her for medical
examination.
6. The prosecutrix was medically examined by the
Medical Officer Dr. Dipti (PW9) on 14.07.2013 at the General
Hospital in Chandrapur. The said doctor issued a medical
certificate (Exh.45) certifying that there was redness present
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on labia majora, labia minora all over and that hymen was
freshly torn at the 3, 9 and 6 ‘O’
clock position.
7. The Investigating Officer arrested the accused and
seized his clothes and they were sent for chemical analysis. It
is relevant to mention here that the accused was also
medically examined and it was found that he was capable of
sexual intercourse.
8. In order to prove its case, the prosecution examined
10 witnesses, of whom PW2 (mother of the prosecutrix) and
PW3 (neighbor) are eyewitnesses to the incident. PW5 is the
Headmistress of the School, who has proved the date of birth
of the prosecutrix as 8.8.2003 to show that she was aged 9
years on the date of the incident. PW8 is the Investigating
Officer and PW9 is the Doctor who had examined the
prosecutrix and issued the medical certificate.
9. The Special Court considered the case of the
prosecution as well as the defence raised on behalf of the
accused. It found that the prosecution had been able to prove
its case beyond reasonable doubt and that there was sufficient
material on record to prove the guilt of the accused. On this
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basis, the Special Court convicted and sentenced the accused
as aforesaid.
10. As stated above, the accused as well as the State
have filed appeals before this court against the aforesaid
judgment and order of the Special Court. The two appeals are
being considered and decided by this common judgment.
As Regards Criminal Appeal No.48 of 2016.
11. In support of the appeal filed by the
accused/appellant, Mr. R.P. Thote, learned counsel submitted
that there were contradictions in the evidence and material on
record and that the Special Court erred in convicting and
sentencing the accused. He contended that the version of the
prosecutrix was not corroborated by other witnesses, that
there was no evidence to prove penetration in the instant case
to constitute the offence of rape as defined in Section 375 of
the Indian Penal Code, that the prosecutrix herself had stated
in her deposition that her mother had brushed her vagina by
finger before taking her to the hospital for medical
examination, thereby explaining the redness on parts of vagina
and further that the accused was falsely implicated because
the mother of the prosecutrix, i.e. wife of the accused, used to
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7 Appeal67-1548-16.odt
regularly fight and quarrel with him and that it was at her
behest that the prosecutrix had launched a false case against
him. The learned counsel for the accused/appellant also
contended that the chemical analysis reports (Exhs. 39 and 40)
showed that neither blood nor semen was detected on the
clothes of the accused or the vaginal swab, thereby showing
that the allegation of rape made against him was false.
12. As against this, Mr. S.M. Ukey, learned Additional
Public Prosecutor appearing for the respondent/State
submitted that there was ample evidence and material on
record to prove the case against the accused and that the
Special Court was justified in convicting and sentencing the
accused. The learned A.P.P. for the respondent/State heavily
relied upon the evidence of PW2, PW3 (prosecutrix), PW4 and
PW9 to support his contentions. On the question of the
requirement of penetration in respect of offence of rape as
defined in Section 375 of the I.P.C., the learned A.P.P. for the
respondent/State relied upon judgments of the Hon’ble
Supreme Court in the case of State of U.P. .vs. Babul Nath
– (1994) 6 Supreme Court Cases 29 and in the case of
Aman Kumar and another .vs. State of Haryana – (2004)
4 Supreme Court Cases 379.
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13. We have heard the learned counsel for the parties at
length. A perusal of Section 375 of the I.P.C. would show that
one of the most important facets in the definition of rape is
penetration into parts of the body of a woman as specified in
the said provision. Thus, it becomes necessary to examine the
evidence and material on record to come to a finding as to
whether there was penetration in the instant case for the
offence of rape to be proved against the accused. In order to
do that, it would be advantageous to understand the position of
law, as laid down by the Hon’ble Supreme Court with regard to
the question of penetration in the context of the offence of
rape, defined in Section 375 of the Indian Penal Code.
14. In its judgment in the case of State of U.P. .vs.
Babul Nath (supra), the Hon’ble Supreme Court has held as
follows:-
“8. It may here be noticed that Section 375 of
the IPC defines rape and the Explanation to
Section 375 reads as follows:
“Explanation.- Penetration is sufficient to
constitute the sexual intercourse necessary to the
offence of rape.”
From the Explanation reproduced above it is
distinctly clear that ingredients which are::: Uploaded on – 11/08/2017 12/08/2017 02:18:49 :::
9 Appeal67-1548-16.odtessential for proving a charge of rape are the
accomplishment of the act with force and
resistance. To constitute the offence of rape
neither Section 375 of IPC nor the Explanation
attached thereto require that there should
necessarily be complete penetration of the penis
into the private part of the victim/prosecutrix. In
other words to constitute the offence of rape it is
not at all necessary that there should be
complete penetration of the male organ with
emission of semen and rupture of hymen. Even
partial or slightest penetration of the male organ
within the labia majora or the vulva or pudenda
with or without any emission of semen or even an
attempt at penetration into the private part of the
victim would be quite enough for the purpose of
Sections 375 and 376 of IPC. That being so it is
quite possible to commit legally the offence of
rape even without causing any injury to the
genitals or leaving any seminal stains. But in the
present case before us as noticed above there is
more than enough evidence positively showing
that there was sexual activity on the victim and
she was subjected to sexual assault without which
she would not have sustained injuries of the
nature found on her private part by the doctor
who examined her. ”
15. It has been further held by the Hon’ble Supreme
Court in the case of Aman Kumar and another .vs. State of
Haryana (supra) as follows:-
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“7. ………The rupture of hymen is by no means
necessary to constitute the offence of rape. Even
a slight penetration in the vulva is sufficient to
constitute the offence of rape and rupture of the
hymen is not necessary. Vulva penetration with or
without violence is as much rape as vaginal
penetration. The statute merely requires
evidence of penetration, and this may occur with
the hymen remaining intact. The actus reus is
complete with penetration. It is well settled that
the prosecutrix cannot be considered as
accomplice and, therefore, her testimony cannot
be equated with that of an accomplice in an
offence of rape. In examination of genital organs,
state of hymen offers the most reliable clue.
While examining the hymen, certain anatomical
characteristics should be remembered before
assigning any significance to the findings. The
shape and the texture of the hymen is variable.
This variation, sometimes permits penetration
without injury. This is possible because of the
peculiar shape of the orifice or increased
elasticity. On the other hand, sometimes the
hymen may be more firm, less elastic and gets
stretched and lacerated earlier. Thus a relatively
less forceful penetration may not give rise to
injuries ordinarily possible with a forceful attempt.
The anatomical feature with regard to hymen
which merits consideration is its anatomical
situation. Next to hymen in positive importance,
but more than that in frequency, are the injuries
on labia majora. These, viz. labia majora are the
first to be encountered by the male organ. They
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11 Appeal67-1548-16.odt
are subjected to blunt forceful blows, depending
on the vigour and force used by the accused and
counteracted by the victim. Further, examination
of the females for marks of injuries elsewhere on
the body forms a very important piece of
evidence. To constitute the offence of rape, it is
not necessary that there should be complete
penetration of the penis with emission of semen
and rupture of hymen. Partial penetration within
the labia majora of the vulva or pudendum with
or without emission of semen is sufficient to
constitute the offence of rape as defined in the
law. The depth of penetration is immaterial in an
offence punishable under Section 376 IPC.
16. The aforesaid position of law and a perusal of Section
375 of the I.P.C. would show that in order to constitute the
offence of rape, it is not at all necessary that there should be
complete penetration of the male organ with emission of
semen or rupture of hymen. It has been held that even a
partial or slightest penetration of the male organ within the
labia majora or the vulva without any emission of semen,
would be quite enough for the purpose of Sections 375 and 376
of the I.P.C.
17. Applying the said position of law to the facts of the
present case, it would be evident that the accused has indeed
committed rape on the prosecutrix and that he is liable for
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conviction under Section 376(2)(f) (i) of the I.P.C. , being a
relative of the prosecutrix and the fact that she was less than
16 years of age at the time of the incident. The fact that there
has been penetration in the instant case is clear from the
medical evidence wherein the Doctor (PW9) has found that
there is redness all over the various parts of vagina and that
hymen has suffered fresh rupture at the 3,6 and 9 ‘O’
clock
position. In fact the Doctor has deposed on the basis of
examination of the prosecutrix on the very day of the incident
that there was sexual intercourse committed with the
prosecutrix. Thus, there is no substance in the contention
raised by the learned counsel for the accused- appellant that in
the absence of penetration, there was no rape committed on
the prosecutrtix in the present case.
18. The contention raised on behalf of the learned
counsel for the accused-appellant that the evidence of the
prosecutrix was not corroborated, cannot be accepted. An
analysis of the evidence on record would show that there were
two eyewitnesses to the incident i.e. PW2 Tarabai Roy (mother
of the prosecutrix) and PW4 Vandana Chaudhari (neighbor).
PW2 (mother of prosecutrix) stated in her deposition that when
she returned home and found the door of the house closed
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from inside, she knocked on the door and at that time PW4
(neighbour) was also accompanying her. As the accused did
not open the door, PW2 stated that she saw from the gap in the
door that the prosecutrix was lying on the mat and the accused
was lying on her. The slack and knicker of the prosecutrix was
lying outside and that the accused did not have his full pant on
his person. PW2 then deposed that she shouted, upon which
the accused wore his pant and opened the door. He quarreled
with her and left the house.
19. Similarly PW4 (neighbour) stated in her deposition
that she along with PW2 saw the incident and that the accused
was found establishing sex with his own daughter. The other
details were stated by PW4 in the same manner as narrated by
PW2. The version of the said two eyewitnesses fully
corroborates the narration of the incident given by the
prosecutrix. In the cross-examination, the version of the said
eyewitnesses has not been shaken. Even otherwise, in the case
of proving the offence of rape uncorroborated testimony of the
prosecutrix is sufficient. It has been held by the Hon’ble
Supreme Court in the case of State of Himachal Pradesh
.vs. Raghubir Singh (1993) 2 Supreme Court Cases 622
that there is no legal compulsion to look for corroboration of
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the evidence of the prosecutrix before recording an order of
conviction and that conviction can be recorded on the sole
testimony of the prosecutrix.
20. In the instant case, not only is the evidence of the
prosecutrix sufficient to prove the guilt of the accused, the
evidence of the two aforesaid eyewitnesses fully supports the
case of the prosecution. Apart from this, the medical evidence
on record shows that there was injury to the vagina of the
prosecutrix and that the hymen was found freshly torn, thereby
proving that she had suffered forcible sexual intercourse
amounting to rape, at the hands of the accused-appellant.
21. The contention raised by the learned counsel for the
accused-appellant that the version of the prosecution and the
medical evidence was rendered suspicious due to the
statement of the prosecutrix in cross-examination that before
being taken to the hospital for medical examination, her
mother by finger had brushed her vagina. It was sought to be
suggested by the learned counsel for the accused-appellant
that the redness found on the vagina during medical
examination was due to the said reason. The said contention
deserves to be rejected because the detailed medical
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15 Appeal67-1548-16.odt
certificate (Exh.45) showing redness on various parts of vagina
and tearing of the hymen clearly point towards forcible sexual
intercourse suffered by the prosecutrix. The Doctor (PW9) who
examined the prosecutrix, entered the witness box and gave
details of the injuries suffered by the prosecutrix, clearly
stating that in her opinion there was sexual intercourse. Hence
the said contention of the learned counsel for the accused-
appellant is rejected.
22. The further contention raised on behalf of the
accused that he had been falsely implicated by the mother of
the prosecutrix as she used to have regular quarrels with him,
is also unsustainable. We find it difficult to believe that a
mother would use her own daughter as a tool to falsely
implicate her husband, only because there was some
matrimonial discord between the two.
23. In view of the above, it is clear that the Special Court
has correctly appreciated the facts on record, while convicting
the accused/appellant. The Special Court has correctly found
that offence under Section 376(2)(f)(i) of the I.P.C. read with
Sections 4 and 6 of the POCSO Act stood proved, because the
prosecutrix was only 9 years old when the incident took place.
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16 Appeal67-1548-16.odt
24. The facts that have been proved on record show that
the prosecutrix was a minor at the time of the incident. PW5,
Headmistress of the school where the prosecutrix was
studying, proved that the date of birth of the prosecutrix was
8.8.2003. This fact was proved on the basis of the school
record thereby clearly establishing that the prosecutrix was
only 9 years old when the incident took place. Thus, being a
minor the requirements for applying the provisions of the
POCSO Act were clearly satisfied in the present case and,
therefore, the findings given by the Special Court do not
deserve any interference. Accordingly, we confirm the order of
the Special court of conviction under the said provisions passed
against the accused-appellant and we dismiss the appeal.
AS REGARDS CRIMINAL APPEAL NO.67 OF 2015.
25. This appeal has been filed by the State praying for
enhancement of sentence imposed upon the accused. It is the
case of the State that the minimum sentence of rigorous
imprisonment for 10 years imposed by the Special Court
against the accused is not sufficient and that in the facts and
circumstances of the case, he ought to be sentenced for life
imprisonment under Section 376(2)(f)(i) of the I.P.C. read with
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17 Appeal67-1548-16.odt
Sections 4 and 6 of the POCSO Act.
26. The learned counsel for the State submits that the
accused has committed a heinous crime against the
prosecutrix as she was a minor aged only 9 years at the time of
the incident. The accused being the stepfather of the
prosecutrix and a person in a position of trust and authority
over her has committed a reprehensible act, which deserves
the maximum punishment. Reliance has been placed on the
judgment of the Hon’ble Supreme Court in the case of Shyam
Narain .vs. State (NCT of Delhi – (2013) 7 Supreme
Court Cases 77.
27. As against this, the learned counsel for the accused
has submitted that the Special Court has correctly imposed the
minimum sentence in the present case.
28. In order to decide whether the quantum of sentence
imposed by the Special Court is sufficient and whether
enhancement is necessary, it would be relevant to appreciate
the position of law in this regard laid down by the Hon’ble
Supreme Court in the case of Shyam Narain .vs. State (NCT
of Delhi) (supra). The relevant portions of the judgment read
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as follows:-
“14. Primarily it is to be borne in mind that
sentencing for any offence has a social goal.
Sentence is to be imposed regard being had to
the nature of the offence and the manner in
which the offence has been committed. The
fundamental purpose of imposition of
sentence is based on the principle that the
accused must realise that the crime
committed by him has not only created a dent
in his life but also a concavity in the social
fabric. The purpose of just punishment is
designed so that the individuals in the society
which ultimately constitute the collective do
not suffer time and again for such crimes. It
serves as a deterrent. True it is, on certain
occasions, opportunities may be granted to
the convict for reforming himself but it is
equally true that the principle of
proportionality between an offence committed
and the penalty imposed are to be kept in
view. While carrying out this complex
exercise, it is obligatory on the part of the
Court to see the impact of the offence on the
society as a whole and its ramifications on the
immediate collective as well as its
repercussions on the victim.
……..
26. It is seemly to note that the legislature,
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19 Appeal67-1548-16.odtwhile prescribing a minimum sentence for a
term which shall not be less than ten years,
has also provided that the sentence may be
extended upto life. The legislature, in its
wisdom, has left it to the discretion of the
Court. Almost for the last three decades, this
Court has been expressing its agony and
distress pertaining to the increased rate of
crimes against women. The eight year old girl,
who was supposed to spend time in
cheerfulness, was dealt with animal passion
and her dignity and purity of physical frame
was shattered. The plight of the child and the
shock suffered by her can be well visualised.
The torment on the child has the potentiality
to corrode the poise and equanimity of any
civilized society. The age old wise saying that
“child is a gift of the providence” enters into
the realm of absurdity. The young girl, with
efflux of time, would grow with traumatic
experience, an unforgettable shame. She shall
always be haunted by the memory replete
with heavy crush of disaster constantly
echoing the chill air of the past forcing her to
a state of nightmarish melancholia. She may
not be able to assert the honour of a woman
for no fault of hers.
27. Respect for reputation of women in the
society shows the basic civility of a civilised
society. No member of society can afford to::: Uploaded on – 11/08/2017 12/08/2017 02:18:49 :::
20 Appeal67-1548-16.odtconceive the idea that he can create a hollow
in the honour of a woman. Such thinking is not
only lamentable but also deplorable. It would
not be an exaggeration to say that the
thought of sullying the physical frame of a
woman is the demolition of the accepted
civilized norm, i.e., “physical morality”. In
such a sphere, impetuosity has no room. The
youthful excitement has no place. It should be
paramount in everyone’s mind that, on one
hand, the society as a whole cannot preach
from the pulpit about social, economic and
political equality of the sexes and, on the
other, some perverted members of the same
society dehumanize the woman by attacking
her body and ruining her chastity. It is an
assault on the individuality and inherent
dignity of a woman with the mindset that she
should be elegantly servile to men. Rape is a
monstrous burial of her dignity in the
darkness. It is a crime against the holy body of
a woman and the soul of the society and such
a crime is aggravated by the manner in which
it has been committed. We have emphasised
on the manner because, in the present case,
the victim is an eight year old girl who
possibly would be deprived of the dreams of
“Spring of Life” and might be psychologically
compelled to remain in the “Torment of
Winter”. When she suffers, the collective at
large also suffers. Such a singular crime::: Uploaded on – 11/08/2017 12/08/2017 02:18:49 :::
21 Appeal67-1548-16.odtcreates an atmosphere of fear which is
historically abhorred by the society. It
demands just punishment from the court and
to such a demand, the courts of law are bound
to respond within legal parameters. It is a
demand for justice and the award of
punishment has to be in consonance with the
legislative command and the discretion vested
in the court.”
29. In the earlier part of this common judgment we have
already found that the conviction of the accused for the afore-
mentioned offences as imposed by the Special Court is
correct. Having found the accused guilty of the charges
leveled against him, we have given our thoughtful
consideration to the aspect of enhancement of sentence, as
prayed by the appellant-State. A perusal of the judgment and
order of the Special Court would show that while discussing the
aspect of imposition of sentence on the accused, the Special
Court found as follows:-
“Certainly, victim is unfortunate step daughter
of the accused. She was aged about 9 years
on the date of incident. She was school going
child. She was leading her life under the
protection of accused. But he himself has
breached the trust of the victim, rather
society. It was the duty of the accused to::: Uploaded on – 11/08/2017 12/08/2017 02:18:49 :::
22 Appeal67-1548-16.odtgive nutritious food, proper education, care
and protection to develop victim as a member
of better society. However, accused has
committed heinous offence. If the accused is
shown leniency, it will give wrong signal in the
society. So, he has to be dealt with
deterrently so as to prevent others to commit
such heinous offence.”
Thus, it is evident that the Special Court had found that the
accused did not deserve any leniency in the matter of imposing
sentence upon him for having committed offences under
Section 376 (2)(f)(i) of the I.P.C. and Sections 4 and 6 of POCSO
Act.
30. Applying the law as laid down by the Hon’ble
Supreme Court, it would be evident that having given the
aforesaid findings even on the question of sentence against the
accused, the Special Court clearly fell in error in awarding the
minimum sentence of rigorous imprisonment of 10 years. We
are of the opinion that in the facts and circumstances of the
present case, the accused has committed a barbaric act of
raping his own stepdaughter who was only 9 years old at the
time of the incident. The accused was supposed to take care
of the prosecutrix and he has not only blatantly violated the
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trust that the prosecutrix had in him, but he has virtually
destroyed the life of the prosecutrix and scarred her
physically, mentally and psychologically for the rest of her life.
In this situation, we find that the appropriate punishment to be
imposed on the accused would be to enhance the sentence to
rigorous imprisonment for life as provided under Section 376(2)
(f)(i) of the I.P.C. and Sections 4 and 6 of POCSO Act.
Accordingly, the appeal filed by the State stands allowed and
the accused is sentenced to suffer imprisonment for life.
31. The fees of the learned counsel appointed for the
accused-appellant are quantified at Rs.5,000/- (Rs. Five
Thousand) for each appeal.
(Manish Pitale, J. ) (R.K. Deshpande, J.)
…
halwai/p.s.
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