On 28th February: A court in Kerala has sentenced a man to 51 years in prison for assaulting his 17-year-old stepdaughter. The verdict, delivered by the Devikulam Fast Track Special Court, reflects the severity of the crime. The man faced charges under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Despite a cumulative sentence of 51 years, he will serve the maximum term of 20 years. The court also imposed a fine of Rs 1.55 lakh on the convict, to be allocated for the victim’s compensation.
Idukki, Kerala: 28th February, The Kerala Court has convicted and sentenced a 40-year-old individual for assaulting his 17-year-old stepdaughter. The Devikulam Fast Track Special Court (POCSO) delivered the verdict, imposing a total of 51 years in prison for various offenses under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
Section 4 – Punishment for penetrative sexual assault
The person shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than twenty years, but which may extend to imprisonment for life, which shall mean imprisonment for the remainder of natural life of that person and shall also be liable to fine.
Section 376(2)(f) in The Indian Penal Code, 1860
(f)being a relative, guardian or teacher of, or a person in a position of trust or authority towards the woman, commits rape on such woman; or
Section 376 Indian Penal Code (IPC)
Whoever, except in the cases provided for in sub-section (2), commits rape, shall be punished with rigorous imprisonment of either description for a term which shall not be less than ten years, but which may extend to imprisonment for life, and shall also be liable to fine.
Despite the cumulative sentence, the accused will serve a maximum of 20 years as per the judge’s decision to run the sentences concurrently. This 20-year term represents the highest punishment prescribed by the court.
Additionally, the convict faces a fine of Rs 1.55 lakh, allocated for the victim’s compensation, emphasizing the judiciary’s commitment to supporting survivors of such crimes.
The court has recommended further compensation for the victim under the Victim Compensation Scheme. It has directed the District Legal Services Authority in Idukki-Thodupuzha to facilitate this compensation, showcasing a comprehensive approach to aiding survivors.
The victim endured assaults on three separate occasions in November 2018 when her mother was absent from home, highlighting the premeditated nature of the crime. Moreover, the perpetrator intimidated the victim, threatening her and her mother with harm if she disclosed the abuse, further traumatizing the survivor.
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