MAHESWAR MUDULI Vs. STATE OF ORISSA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Though this matter was listed today to deal with the application for bail of the appellant, with the consent of the learned counsel for the respective parties, we took up the main appeal for hearing and disposal.

(2.) This appeal is directed against the judgment dated 2.2.2001 passed by the learned Special Judge, Balasore in Special Case No.3 of 2000 convicting the appellant Maheswar Muduli under Section 376 (2)(f) of I.P.C. and under Section 3(2)(v) of S.C. and S.T. (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and sentencing him thereunder to suffer imprisonment for life.

(3.) The appellant was prosecuted on charges under Section 376(2)(f) of I.P.C. and under Section 3(2) (v) of S.C. and S.T. (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. On conclusion of trial, he was, however, found guilty on both charges. The prosecutrix belonged to Scheduled Caste community and she was aged about 14 years at the time of occurrence.