JUDGMENT :

R.L. Khurana, J.

The appellant, Ram Dass Bandhu, hereinafter referred to as the accused stands convicted by the learned Additional Sessions Judge, Solan in Sessions Trial No. 15-S/7 of 2002 vide judgment dated 8.12.2003 for the offence under Section 376 Indian Penal Code, and upon such conviction he has been sentenced to undergo rigorous imprisonment for a period of ten years and to pay a fine of Rs. 10,000/-. In default of payment of fine, he has further been sentenced to undergo rigorous imprisonment for one year. The amount of fine, if realized, was directed to be paid to the prosecutrix (P.W.5) as compensation.

2. By virtue of the present appeal preferred by the accused through Jail, he has assailed the conviction and sentence imposed upon him by the learned Additional Sessions Judge.

3. Briefly stated, the prosecution story is this. The accused claims himself to be a "Parcharak" (Religious Preacher) and is known as "Sant Shiromani Swami Ram Dass Bandhu". In April/May, 2001, he had organised a camp near Old Anaj Mandi, Ambala City in Haryana State for the purpose of delivering religious discourses and also to provide medicines for the cure of various ailments. The religi