JUDGMENT :

This Criminal Appeal has been filed against the Judgment of conviction and sentence imposed by the learned Sessions Judge, Magalir Neethi Mandram, (Fast Track Mahila Court), Erode in Special S.C.No.9 of 2018, dated 18.09.2019.

2. The respondent Police have registered a case in Crime No.6 of 2017, for offence under Sections 3 r/w 4 of Protection of Children from Sexual Offence Act, 2012 and Sections 3(1)(w)(ii) & 3(2)(v) of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Amendment Act, 2015 against the appellant on the complaint (Ex.P1) given by the victim child (PW2). After completing investigation, the respondent police laid a charge sheet before the learned Sessions Judge, Magalir Neethi Mandram, (Fast Track Mahila Court), Erode and the same was taken on file in Special S.C.No.9 of 2018.

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 learned Sessions Judge, farmed charges under Section 4 of Protection of Children from Sexual Offence Act, 2012 and Section 3(1)(w)(ii) of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Amendment Act, 2015.

4. Af