A Delhi court on Tuesday sentenced a 35-year-old man to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment for raping a 15-year-old girl in 2017. Additional Sessions Judge Sunil Gupta convicted the man under sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
Court's Observation
The court observed that the crime was heinous and against the society. It noted that the victim was a minor and the accused had taken advantage of her vulnerability. The judge said that such crimes shake the conscience of the society and warrant severe punishment.
Prosecution's Argument
The prosecution argued that the accused had lured the girl with the promise of marriage and then raped her. The victim's testimony was found to be credible and consistent. The medical evidence also supported the prosecution's case.
Defense's Plea
The defense counsel sought leniency, arguing that the accused was the sole breadwinner of his family. However, the court rejected the plea, stating that the gravity of the offense outweighed any mitigating factors.
The court also directed the Delhi State Legal Services Authority to provide compensation to the victim under the Victim Compensation Scheme.
