JUDGMENT :

This Criminal Appeal has been filed against the conviction and sentence passed by the learned Judge, Fast Track Mahila Court, Tiruppur in Spl.S.C.No.14 of 2016 dated 22.01.2019.

2. Heard Mr. Durai Kannan, learned Legal Aid Counsel for the appellant and Mr. R. Suryaprakash, learned Government Advocate appearing on behalf of the respondent police.

3. The respondent police had registered a case in Cr.No.12 of 2015 against the accused for the offences under Sections 365 & 366 (A) IPC. After completing investigation, the charges were framed for the offences under Section 363 IPC and under Sections 5(l) r/w. 6, 5(n) r/w.6 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 against the first accused and under Sections 16 r/w. 17 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 (hereinafter referred to as “POCSO Act”) against the present appellant/second accused.

4. After completing the investigation, the respondent Police laid a charge-sheet before the Fast Track Mahila Court, Tiruppur. Since the offence falls under POCSO Act, 2012, the learned Judge has taken cognizance of the charge-sheet in Spl.S.C.No.14 of 2016.

5. After completing the formalities, the learn