Delhi court sentences man to 12 years in prison in case of sexual assault of minor

A court in New Delhi has sentenced a man to 12 years in prison for kidnapping and sexually assaulting a six-year-old girl in 2020.

The victim was also awarded compensation of Rs 750,000 on the grounds that the purpose of the criminal justice system is not only to achieve catharsis by imposing an appropriate punishment but also to rehabilitate the victim.

Additional Sessions Judge Preeti Parewa was hearing a case against the man, who was earlier convicted under the penal provisions for child abduction and under Section 10 (aggravated sexual assault) of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

Deputy Public Prosecutor Vinnet Dahiya said the convict had committed a heinous crime and deserved a severe punishment.

“In the present case, the convicted person kidnapped the underage victim and committed serious sexual assault by touching her genital area,” the court said in its verdict.

“Considering all the facts and circumstances of the present case, particularly the tender age of the victim child, the nature of the crime committed, the effect of the crime on the mental and physical condition of the victim child and the socio-economic background of the convict, it is directed that the convict be sentenced to simple imprisonment for a term of six years for the offence punishable under Section 10 of the POCSO Act,” it said.

The court also sentenced him to six years in prison for kidnapping.

The report stressed the need for adequate compensation, stating: “The purpose of the criminal justice system is not only to achieve catharsis through the imposition of an appropriate punishment, but also to rehabilitate the victim, who is forever physically and psychologically scarred.”

“If we fail to do so, we will also be neglecting our duties towards the victim, whose psychological well-being has been affected,” the court said, awarding the victim compensation of Rs 750,000.