JUDGMENT :

This Criminal Appeal has been filed challenging the conviction and sentence passed in Spl.C.C.No.2 of 2017 dated 28.12.2017 on the file of the learned Sessions Judge, Magalir Court, [Magalir Fast Track Court], Coimbatore.

2. The respondent police registered a case in Crime No.8 of 2015 against the appellant for the offences punishable under Section 9 r/w 10 of Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act 2012 (in short 'POCSO Act'). After investigation, charge sheet was laid and taken on file before the Sessions Judge, Magalir Court, [Magalir Fast Track Court], Coimbatore.

3. After completing the formalities, the learned Judge framed the charge against the appellant for the offences punishable under Sections 9(m) r/w 10 of POCSO Act.

4. After completing the trial and hearing the arguments advanced on either side and also considering the oral and documentary evidence, the Special Court found the appellant guilty of the offence under Section 9 of the POCSO Act which is punishable under Section 10 of POCSO Act, 2012 and convicted and sentenced the appellant to undergo rigorous imprisonment for a period of seven years and to pay a fine of Rs.2,500/-, in default, to undergo on