Delhi Court Issues 10-Year Sentence in Minor Rape Case of 2017

In a significant ruling on Friday, a court sentenced a 49-year-old man to a decade of rigorous imprisonment for the heinous crimes of forcibly marrying and raping a minor in 2017. Additional Sessions Judge Ankit Mehta presided over the case, emphasizing the need for a sentence that serves both as a deterrent and a means for the convict's reform. The man was found guilty under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, alongside the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act.

The prosecution detailed how the convict wedded a 13-year-old girl and subjected her to sexual assault. The court acknowledged the severe mental trauma inflicted upon the victim due to these atrocious acts. However, it also considered the convict's familial situation, noting his responsibility towards two minor daughters from a previous marriage.

Despite over six years of incarceration, the court noted the convict's lack of prior criminal history and satisfactory behavior in jail. These factors played a crucial role in determining the sentence, which aimed to reflect the crime's severity and the need for rehabilitation. The court stressed that sentencing is a complex process that requires balancing aggravating and mitigating circumstances.

The convict received a 10-year sentence for each count of aggravated rape under IPC Section 376 2(i) and repeated rape under Section 376 2(n), alongside two years for violating the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act. These sentences will run concurrently. Additionally, the court ordered a compensation of Rs 10.5 lakh to be awarded to the victim.

The case came to light following the victim's forced marriage, orchestrated by her maternal grandmother after being deemed a liability. The victim's harrowing testimony revealed her ordeal of being beaten and sexually assaulted by the accused, who had been previously married twice. Following disturbances in their village, the accused relocated with the victim to Delhi, where her suffering continued until local residents alerted the Delhi Police.

Advocate Virender Verma, appointed by the Delhi Legal Service Authority (DLSA), provided legal assistance to the victim throughout this distressing case. This ruling underscores the judicial system's commitment to addressing crimes against minors with stringent penalties while considering all aspects of the convict's background and behavior.