Delhi court sentences 67-year-old man to 20 years RI for raping 6-yr-old girl

A Delhi court has sentenced a 67-year-old man for raping a six-year-old girl in 2024, saying a strong message must be conveyed to society that such offences against children will not be tolerated.

Additional Sessions Judge Ajay Nagar was hearing arguments on sentencing the man who had been earlier convicted under the penal provision of rape and Section 5(m) (aggravated penetrative sexual assault on a child below 12 years) of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

Special Public Prosecutor Rajesh Sirohi said that the mental trauma faced by the survivor will remain in her memory forever, and so the convict deserved no leniency.

In an order dated July 3, the court said, “There are aggravating circumstances, i.e, the survivor was at the age of about six years at the time of the offence, and the convict was 65 years of age.”

“Such incidents are increasing day by day in society, and there must be some deterrence in the city, and a strong message must be conveyed to society that such offences against children shall not be tolerated under any circumstances and such offenders shall be dealt with strictly by the court,” it said.

The court, however, also detailed the mitigating circumstances, such as the convict being from a poor stratum of society, not having any previous conviction record, there being nothing on record to suggest that he is beyond reformation and the convict being the only bread earner of the family, including one daughter and six maternal granddaughters.

“Convict is sentenced to undergo rigorous imprisonment (RI) of 20 years and a fine of Rs 5,000 for the offence under Section 5(m) punishable under Section 6 of POCSO Act,” the court said.

It also provided a compensation of Rs 10.5 lakh to the survivor, saying she deserves rehabilitation, integration and financial support to live her future life without any trauma and stress.