LAKHAN KERBAJI SUTARE Vs. STATE OF MAHARASHTRA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Heard finally with the consent of learned Advocates for the parties.

(2.) In this appeal, the challenge is to the Judgment and order, dtd. 25/4/2019, passed by the learned Additional Session Judge, Wardha, whereby the learned Judge on conviction of the accused for the offence punishable under Sec. 376(2)(i) of the Indian Penal Code (for short 'the IPC') and Sec. 4 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 (for short 'the POCSO Act'), sentenced him to suffer ten years rigorous imprisonment on each count and directed to pay a total fine of Rs.25,000.00.

(3.) Background facts: