T.K.GOPAL vs STATE OF KARNATAKA

The Supreme Court upheld the conviction of the appellant under Section 376 IPC for the rape of a one-and-a-half-year-old child, affirming the ten-year rigorous imprisonment sentence imposed by the Additional Sessions Judge. The Court noted that Section 376 IPC mandates a minimum sentence of ten years, but also allows for life imprisonment. Given the heinous nature of the crime and the age of the victim, the Court issued a notice to enhance the sentence to life imprisonment, emphasizing the gravity of the offense.