A special court under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act in Nuh, Haryana, has sentenced a man to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment for raping a minor girl in 2023. The court also imposed a fine of Rs 50,000 on the convict, with the amount to be given as compensation to the survivor.
Case Details
According to the prosecution, the incident occurred in July 2023 when the accused, identified as a resident of a nearby village, lured the 15-year-old victim under the pretext of giving her a lift. He then took her to an isolated spot and raped her. The victim later narrated the ordeal to her family, following which a complaint was filed at the local police station.
The police registered a case under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and the POCSO Act. During the trial, the prosecution examined 12 witnesses, including the victim, her parents, and the medical officer who conducted the examination.
Court's Observations
Additional Sessions Judge and POCSO Court Judge Rakesh Kumar, while pronouncing the sentence, observed that the convict had committed a heinous crime that not only violated the victim's physical integrity but also caused severe psychological trauma. The court noted that the prosecution had successfully proved the charges beyond reasonable doubt.
The judge emphasized that crimes against children are on the rise, and courts must send a strong message to deter potential offenders. The court also directed the District Legal Services Authority to ensure the victim receives compensation under the Victim Compensation Scheme.
The convict, a daily wage laborer, was arrested shortly after the incident and had been in judicial custody since then. He was convicted under Section 6 of the POCSO Act, which prescribes rigorous imprisonment for not less than 20 years, extendable to life imprisonment, along with a fine.
Legal Framework
The POCSO Act, enacted in 2012, provides for stringent punishment for sexual offenses against minors. Section 6 of the Act specifically deals with aggravated penetrative sexual assault and mandates a minimum sentence of 20 years of rigorous imprisonment.
Legal experts have hailed the judgment as a step towards ensuring justice for survivors of child sexual abuse. They also stressed the need for faster disposal of such cases to deliver timely justice.
The district administration has assured full support to the survivor and her family, including counseling and rehabilitation services.
