Court Awards 1 Year Imprisonment in Sensitive Minor Assault Case

Tangdhar : A local court in Kashmir’s Tangdhar has awarded one year of imprisonment in a sensitive case involving sexual assault on a minor, bringing a long-pending matter to its conclusion.

The judgment was delivered by Mansoor Ahmed Mir, Judicial Magistrate 1st Class, who had earlier held the accused guilty after finding that the prosecution successfully proved the charges beyond reasonable doubt. The case related to an incident in which a minor boy was wrongfully restrained and subjected to sexual assault.

During the hearing on the quantum of sentence, the prosecution pressed for strict punishment, emphasizing the seriousness of the offence and its lasting impact on the minor victim. The defence, however, sought leniency on personal grounds.

After considering the submissions, the Court observed that offences of such nature are grave and have a deep impact on the physical and psychological well-being of the victim. It held that undue leniency would defeat the ends of justice and send a wrong message to society.

Accordingly, the Court sentenced the convict to one year of simple imprisonment along with a fine for the offence of sexual assault. A separate sentence was also imposed for wrongful restraint, with the Court directing that the sentences shall run concurrently.

The Court further ordered that in case of default in payment of fine, the convict shall undergo additional imprisonment. Benefit of set-off for the period already spent in custody during trial was also granted.

The convict has been directed to be taken into custody and lodged in jail to serve the awarded sentence.

In addition, the Court directed the concerned authorities to consider the case of the victim for compensation under the applicable Victim Compensation Scheme, keeping in view the nature of the offence.