ORDER :

Kesang Doma Bhutia, J.

This appeal is directed against the order of conviction and sentence passed by Special Judge (POCSO), Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Port Blair in Sessions Case No. 24 of 2017 on 06.11.2017, whereby the appellant has been convicted for commission of offence punishable under Section 6 of the POCSO Act, read with section 376 I PC and sentenced to suffer rigorous imprisonment for twenty-five years with fine of Rs. 1 Lakh and in default to suffer further simple imprisonment for one year for committing of offence under Section 5G)(ii) of POCSO Act, 2012.

2. In the present case the criminal proceeding against the Appellant perpetrator, who happens to be the step father of the prosecutrix has been set in motion on the initiative taken by PW3 Sister Rose Ann, sister-in-charge of Nirmala Shishu Bhawan, Port Blair (the Children's Home of Missionaries of Charity for abandoned street babies and children or a shelter home or institution meant for minor children in need of care and protection) where the victim girl who was six months old pregnant was admitted by her own mother and the perpetrator step father on 08.06.2017.

3. That Sister Ann on finding the victim to be a