V.M. DESHPANDE, J.

1. By the present appeal, the appellant is challenging judgment and order of conviction dated 31.10.2017 passed by learned Special Judge and Additional Sessions Judge, Yavatmal in Special Case No.44/2015.

2. By the impugned judgment and order of conviction, the appellant though stands acquitted of offences under Section 3(1)(xii) and 3(2)(v) of the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 (for short, "the SC & ST Act"), is convicted for offence under Section 376(2)(i) of the Indian Penal Code and under Section 6 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 (for short, "the POCSO Act").

For his conviction under Section 376(2)(i) of the Indian Penal Code, he is directed to suffer rigorous imprisonment for 14 years and to pay a fine of Rs.5000/- and in default of payment of the fine amount to suffer rigorous imprisonment for 6 months.

For his conviction under Section 6 of the POCSO Act, he is directed to suffer rigorous imprisonment for 10 years and to pay a fine of Rs.5000/- and in default of payment of the fine amount to suffer rigorous imprisonment for 6 months.

Learned Judge of the Court below directed t