ZONUNMAWII Vs. STATE OF ASSAM

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Heard Mr. Zoramchhana, learned counsel for the appellant. Also heard Mrs. Mary L. Khiangte, learned Addl. Public Prosecutor, as well as Mr. H. Zodinsanga, learned Legal Aid Counsel, appearing for the respondent No. 2.

(2.) This appeal under Sec. 415 of BNSS, 2023, has been preferred by the appellant Smt. Zonunmawii, impugning the Judgment dtd. 17/2/2025 as well as order of Sentence dtd. 27/2/2025 passed by the Court of learned Special Judge, POCSO Act, Aizawl Judicial District, Aizawl, in Sessions Case No. 82/2022, in connection with Criminal Trial No. 626/2020, corresponding to All Women P.S. Case No. 14/2022, whereby the appellant was convicted and sentenced under Sec. 4(1)/5(1)(a) of the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956, read with Sec. 6/16 of the POCSO Act, 2012 and Sec. 376/109 of the Indian Penal Code.

(3.) The facts relevant for consideration of the instant appeal, in brief, are that on 17/3/2022, one Smt. K. Lalrinsiami, Social Worker, District Child Protection Unit, Aizawl, had lodged an FIR before the Officer-in-Charge of All Women P.S., Aizawl, inter alia, alleging that, on 17/3/2022, at about 04:00 pm, she received an information over telephone from MHIP, Zuangtui, wherein it was informed that one minor girl (hereinafter referred to as 'X' to protect the identity of the victim), aged about 13 years, was induced into prostitution by the present appellant and her husband namely Lalrinchhana. It was also alleged in the FIR that the minor victim 'X' was sold to several males from 13/1/2022 to the last part of February, 2022.