SH. SONU vs STATE (GOVT. OF NCT OF DELHI)

Judgment text excerpt

* IN THE HIGH COURT OF DELHI AT NEW DELHI % Reserved on : 12.11.2025 Pronounced on : 20.12.2025 Uploaded on : 20.12.2025 + CRL.A. 935/2018 SH. SONU .....Appellant Through: Mr. Rovin Kumar and Ms. Shelly Gujela, Advocates (M: 8130376733). versus STATE (GOVT. OF NCT OF DELHI) .....Respondent Through: Mr Pradeep Gahalot, APP for State with SI Charu Saini, P.S. Aman Vihar, Delhi. Mr. Dushyant Kishan Kaul, Advocate (Amicus Curiae, pro bono) for victim. CORAM: HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE MANOJ KUMAR OHRI JUDGMENT 1. The present appeal arises in the context of the judgment of conviction rendered by the Trial Court on 16.05.2016, whereby the appellant was convicted for the offences under Section 6 POCSO and Section 506 IPC; as well as the order on sentence dated 18.05.2016, vide which the appellant was sentenced to undergo:- i. RI for 2 years along with payment of fine of Rs.1,000/-, in default whereof he would undergo SI for 1 month, for the offence under Signature Not Verified Digitally Signed By:PREM MOHAN CHOUDHARY Signing Date:20.12.2025 22:38:56 CRL.A.935/2018 Page 1 of 13 Section 506 IPC; and ii. RI for a period of 10 years along with fine of Rs.10,000/-, in default whereof he would undergo 6 months SI, for the offence punishable under Section 6 POCSO Act. Both the sentences were directed to run concurrently and the benefit under Section 428 Cr.P.C. was granted to the appellant. 2. The facts as have emerged from the prosecution case are that the victim, a child aged 11 years, claimed that she was residing with her parents and 2 brothers, and that she was studying in 8th standard. Her father expired in the year 2006, whereafter her mother contracted a second marriage in the year 2009 with the accused, i.e., her stepfather. She alleged that her stepfather did not like her or her b