JUDGMENT :

Y. Longkumer, J.

The instant appeal under Section 374 of the Criminal Procedure Code, 1973 has been preferred by the appellant assailing the impugned judgment dated 22.10.2021 passed by the learned Special Judge (FTSC), Dimapur, Nagaland in G.R. 537/2017 arising out of Women P.S Case No.65/2017 by which the appellant was convicted under Section 4 and 12 of the POCSO Act for 15 years with a fine of Rs. 30,000/- and in default to undergo 1 year rigorous imprisonment.

2. I have heard learned counsel for the appellant, Mr. Sentiyanger and learned Public Prosecutor, Ms. S. Mere as well as Mr. Pfosekho Pfotte, learned Amicus Curiae for the respondent No.2.

3. The facts leading to the conviction of the present appellant is that on 01.08.2017 an FIR was lodged by the father of the victim before the women P.S, Dimapur, Nagaland stating that his daughter, 12 years of age had been raped by the appellant. A case was registered under Section 354/376 (2) (i) IPC r/w Section 4 and 12 of the POCSO Act. Thereafter, charge sheet was submitted on 23.09.2017 and charges were framed against the appellant/accused to which he pleaded not guilty. Thereafter, the trial proceeded and after hearing th