JUDGMENT :

P. VELMURUGAN, J.

1. This Criminal Appeal has been filed against the Judgment of conviction and sentence imposed by the learned Sessions Judge, Special Court (POCSO Act Cases), Cuddalore in Special S.C. No. 19 of 2019, dated 10.03.2020.

2. The respondent Police have registered a case in Crime No. 10 of 2018, for offence under Section 450 IPC and Section 9(k), 10 of Protection of Children from Sexual Offence Act, 2012 and Section 3(2)(va) and 3(1)(w)(i) of Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Amendment Act, 2015 against the appellant on the complaint (Ex.P3) given by PW-1. After completing investigation, the respondent Police laid a charge sheet before the learned Sessions Judge, Special Court (POCSO Act Cases), and same was taken on file in Special S.C. No. 19 of 2019.

3. After completing the formalities under Section 207 Cr.P.C. since there was a prima facie material to frame charges against the appellant, the Sessions Judge framed charges under Section 450 IPC and Section 9(k), 10 of Protection of Children from Sexual Offence Act, 2012 (hereinafter referred to as ‘POCSO Act’) and Section 3(2)(va) and 3(1)(w)(i) of Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tri