RAMESH CHAND Vs. STATE OF HIMACHAL PRADESH

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The present appeal is maintained by the appellant/accused/convict (hereinafter referred to as "the accused"), laying challenge to judgment dated 05.07.2017, passed by learned Special Judge, Bilaspur, District Bilaspur, H.P., in Sessions Trial No. 1/7 of 2016, C No. 1 of 2016, whereby the accused was convicted and sentenced for the commission of offences punishable under Sections 376 and 506(ii) of Indian Penal Code, 1860 (for short "IPC") and Sec. 6 of the Protection of children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 (hereinafter referred to as "POSCO Act").

(2.) The factual matrix of the prosecution case can tersely be summarized as under:

(3.) The prosecution, in order to prove its case, examined as many as twenty two witnesses. Statement of the accused was recorded under Sec. 313 Crimial P.C. wherein he pleaded not guilty. The accused did not lead any evidence in his defence.