In a powerful response to rising sexual crimes against children in Belagavi city and district, the Fast Track Special Court-I has established itself as a formidable deterrent. Under the leadership of Additional District and Sessions Judge C M Pushpalatha, this court, dedicated to cases under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) Act, has issued a series of landmark judgments that have captured public attention.
A Trail of Stringent Punishments
Over the past two years, Judge Pushpalatha has consistently handed down the maximum punishments allowed by law, demonstrating a clear zero-tolerance policy towards crimes targeting children. The sentences have ranged from death penalties and life imprisonment to rigorous imprisonment extending up to 35 years.
One of the most talked-about verdicts came last month, when the court sentenced self-styled seer Lokeshwar Swami, also known as Lokeshwar Sabanna Jambagi of Chittapur in Kalaburagi district, to 35 years of rigorous imprisonment. He was convicted for kidnapping and repeatedly raping a minor girl, a case that ignited widespread public debate.
Death Penalties for Heinous Crimes
The court has not shied away from imposing the ultimate punishment in the most brutal cases. In September 2024, it awarded the death penalty to Uddappa Ganiger for the 2017 rape and murder of a three-year-old girl from Raibag taluk. The child's body was found partially buried in a sugarcane field, an incident that provoked massive protests across Belagavi.
Following a similar principle, in September 2025, the court pronounced a death sentence against Bharatesh Mirji for the rape and murder of an eight-year-old girl, also from Raibag.
Collective Responsibility and Hope
Judge Pushpalatha has delivered approximately 73 verdicts in the last two years, many setting strong legal precedents. Speaking to TOI, she remarked, "I only did what is expected of me as a judge, but I am glad the public took note of these rulings." She emphasized that preventing such atrocities is not solely the duty of courts and police but also of the public and the media.
The judge also credited investigating officers, stating that judgments rely on the strength of evidence presented. City Police Commissioner Bhushan Borse welcomed the strong rulings, calling them a "beacon of hope." Susheela, coordinator of child rights NGO Spandana Sansthe, noted that improved reporting, strong prosecution, and such judgments have helped instil a fear of the law among criminals. All cases were argued on behalf of the government by public prosecutor LV Patil.
