BRAMANSING SHANGDHIAR Vs. STATE OF MEGHALAYA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The three appellants have been convicted under Sec. 376 (2) (g) of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 and have been each sentenced to 10 years' rigorous imprisonment together with a fine of Rs.30,000.00. In default of payment of the fine, they have to suffer rigorous imprisonment for a further period of six months.

(2.) The incident is of the new year's day of 2009. The victim was then 15 years old. That was at a time when the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 had not been promulgated and the punishment for a rapist was lighter than it is now.

(3.) Before adverting to the facts, it may do well to notice the principal grounds urged on behalf of the appellants in this common appeal. At the outset, it may also be noticed that the appellants ran a common defence at the trial.