JUDGMENT :

This Criminal Appeal has been filed against the conviction and sentence imposed by the learned Sessions Judge, Mahila Court, Cuddalore in Special S.C.No.24 of 2018, dated 31.01.2019.

2. The respondent Police have registered a case in Crime No.121 of 2016, for offence under Sections 294(b), 323, 506(i) IPC and Section 4 of Prohibition of Harassment of Woman Act, 1998 against the appellant/A1 and two others/A2 & A3 on the complaint [Ex.P1] given by the father of the victim (PW.1). After completing investigation, the respondent police laid a charge sheet before the learned Sessions Judge, Mahila Court, Cuddalore and the same was taken on file as Special S.C.No.24 of 2018.

3. After completing the formalities under Section 207 Cr.P.C., since there was a prima facie material to frame charge against the appellant, the learned Sessions Judge, farmed charges under Sections 12 of Protection of Children from Sexual Offence Act, 2012 (hereinafter referred to as 'POCSO Act') r/w 34 IPC and Section 10 of POCSO Act r/w 34 IPC and Sections 450 and 323 r/w 34 IPC.

4. After completing the trial and hearing the arguments advanced on either side and also considering the oral and documentary evi