1. This appeal challenges the final judgment and order dated 27th August 2019, passed by the learned Single Judge of the High Court of Judicature at Madras¹[Hereinafter referred to as, “High Court”], whereby vide a common judgment, the High Court dismissed Criminal Appeal Nos. 449 and 840 of 2012. The present Appellant, who is Accused No. 2, had filed the Criminal Appeal No. 840 of 2012, along with Accused Nos. 3 and 4, under Section 374 of Criminal Procedure Code, 1973²[Hereinafter referred to as, “CrPC”], challenging the judgment and order dated 26th June 2012, passed by the learned Additional District and Sessions Judge, Court No. III, Thirupathur, Vellore District³[Hereinafter referred to as, “trial court”], in Sessions Case No. 277 of 2010, whereby the trial court had convicted and sentenced the accused persons for offences punishable under Section 376(2)(g) and 506(1) of Indian Penal Code, 1860⁴[Hereinafter referred to as, “IPC”], and Section 4 of the Tamil Nadu Prevention of Women Harassment Act.

2. The facts, in brief, giving rise to the present appeal are as given below:

2.1 On 28th January 2006, Police Station Vaniyampadi Town received a written information from the victim