Stories
Judge's Emotional Message to 10-Year-Old: 'My Child, The Court Heard You'
- •A 7-year-old sexual violence victim told the court her 'uncle' should remain in jail until he's old.
- •Additional Sessions Judge Rajini Ranga of the POCSO Court addressed the girl directly in her verdict with an emotional message.
- •The Delhi High Court has directed that the trial court's message for the girl be delivered to her family, along with compensation.
- •The judge praised the girl's courage, stating her truthfulness prevented the accused from harming other children.
- •Accused Sumit Shakya was sentenced to life imprisonment, and 10.50 lakh rupees compensation was ordered for the girl, upheld by the High Court.
Key Questions Answered
The trial court sentenced the accused, Sumit Shakya, to rigorous imprisonment for the remainder of his natural life under the POCSO Act for aggravated sexual assault, along with a fine of one lakh rupees. He also received a five-year rigorous imprisonment sentence and a 20,000 rupee fine for criminal intimidation, with both sentences running concurrently.
The Delhi High Court directed the North-West Delhi District Legal Services Authority to print the trial court judge's emotional message of courage and deliver it to the girl or her family within two weeks. The High Court also ordered that the determined compensation amount be given to her and sought a compliance report from the DLSA secretary.
The court ordered a compensation of 10.50 lakh rupees for the victim. This amount was determined after considering the mental anguish suffered by the girl and her family, the extreme gravity of the crime, and its long-term impact on her life.
