MANISHA PRAKASH KATTE Vs. STATE OF MAHARASHTRA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This is an application for suspension of sentence and grant of bail during the pendency of appeal challenging the Judgment of conviction.

(2.) The applicant/accused No.4 has been convicted for the offences punishable under Ss. 3(1) , 4 , 5 , 6 & 7 of the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956 (for short 'PITA Act') and Ss. 370(A) Part II, 370(2) and 366 of Indian Penal Code (for short " IPC "). The maximum sentence imposed for the conviction is up to 10 years.

(3.) The case of the prosecution is that the two victim girls were subjected to prostitution by the accused. The applicant and accused No.1 were convicted for the aforesaid offences, whereas the accused Nos.2 & 3 were acquitted. The trial Court has acquitted the applicant/accused No.4 for the offences under Ss. 366(A) & 372 r/w Sec. 34 of IPC and Sec. 17 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 (for short 'POCSO Act').