JUDGMENT & ORDER :

KAUSHIK GOSWAMI, J.

Heard Mr. H. Zodinsanga, learned Amicus Curiae appearing for the accused/appellant. Also heard Mrs. Mary L. Khiangte, learned Additional Public Prosecutor, Mizoram appearing for the respondent No.1 and Mr. Jordan Rohmingthanga, learned Legal Aid Counsel appearing for the respondent No.2/informant.

2. This appeal is directed against the judgment & order dated 22.04.2024, passed by the learned Presiding Officer/Judge, Fast Track Special Court (Rape & POCSO Act, 2012), Champhai District, Mizoram, (hereinafter referred to as “trial Court”) in case No. FTSC (CPI) POCSO:65/2023, arising out of Crl. Trl. No. 248/2023, registered under Section 6 of the POCSO Act, 2012, whereby the accused/appellant has been convicted under Section 6 of the POCSO Act, 2012, and sentenced to undergo rigorous imprisonment for a term of 10 (ten) years with a fine of Rs. 5,000/- (rupees five thousand) only, in default of payment of the fine to undergo simple imprisonment for a term of 2 (two) months.

3. The brief fact of the prosecution case is that PW-1 lodged an FIR on 02.06.2023, before the Officer-in-charge of Dungtlang Police Station, alleging, inter alia, that during th