Delhi court has sentenced a man to three years in jail for sexually assaulting a minor girl in 2015, after a nine-year trial. The convict, who was 19 years old at the time of the incident, has been granted bail to appeal the judgment in the high court. Special judge (POCSO) Babita Punia, while delivering the verdict on April 8, noted that the convict, a first-time offender, had exhibited good conduct in jail.
The court emphasized the need to balance punishment with other considerations, stating, “Society demands that offenders be punished for their crimes. However, a court must strike a balance and must not over-emphasise one factor.” Additionally, the court awarded Rs 3 lakh compensation to the victim, who was 16 years old at the time of the assault.
Considering the convict’s poor financial condition, the court directed the Delhi State Legal Services Authority (DSLSA) to take appropriate action. The judge acknowledged the victim’s suffering and noted that while monetary compensation cannot fully address her pain, it can help her acquire skills or education for a degree of independence.
The convict’s counsel sought leniency, highlighting his age (around 28 years), family circumstances (parents deceased, unmarried brother in native village), and employment as a salesman earning Rs 12,000 per month. In contrast, the additional public prosecutor argued against leniency, advocating for the maximum punishment for the convicted offence.