PRAVIN @ TUSHAR JANU Vs. STATE OF MAHARASHTRA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) In this appeal, challenge is to the judgment and order dtd. 16/6/2022, passed by learned Special Judge, Mehkar, whereby the learned Judge held the appellant guilty of the offences punishable under Ss. 377 and 506 of the Indian Penal Code and under Sec. 4 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 (hereinafter referred to as "the POCSO Act" for short). He is sentenced to suffer rigorous imprisonment for twenty years and to pay fine of Rs.1,000.00 (Rupees One thousand only), in default to suffer rigorous imprisonment for one month, for the offence punishable under Sec. 4 of the POCSO Act ; and to suffer rigorous imprisonment for one year for the offence punishable under Sec. 506 of the Indian Penal Code. No separate sentence is awarded for the offence punishable under Sec. 377 of the IPC.

(2.) BACKGROUND FACTS :-

(3.) The informant (PW1) carried the victim to the police station. The informant lodged the report (Exh.20). On the basis of the report, a crime bearing No. 210/2020 was registered against the appellant. The investigation was conducted by PW6. The victim was referred for medical examination. The blood samples and other samples of the victim had been collected at the time of his examination. The appellant was arrested. He was also referred for medical examination. The clothes of the victim and the clothes of the appellant were seized. The samples collected by the Investigating Officer had been sent for analysis to the Regional Forensic Science Laboratory (RFSL), Amravati. PW6 recorded the statements of the witnesses. On completion of the investigation, PW6 filed charge-sheet against the accused.