JUDGMENT :

R. PONGIAPPAN, J.

1. The present appeal is directed against the conviction and sentence dated 19.03.2015, made in S.C. No. 111 of 2013, on the file of the learned Sessions Judge [Fast Track Mahila Court] Ramanathapuram.

2. The appellant is the sole accused. He stood charged for the offence under Sections 376 and 417 I.P.C. and Section 4 of the Tamil Nadu Prohibition of Harassment of Women Act, 2002. After full-fledged trial, the trial Court came to the conclusion that the appellant is found guilty under Sections 417 and 376 I.P.C. In respect of the offence under Section 4 of the Tamil Nadu Prohibition of Harassment of Women Act, 2002, the trial Court acquitted the accused. After concluding as above, for the offence under Section 417 I.P.C. the trial Court convicted the accused and sentenced him to undergo rigorous imprisonment for one year. As far as the offence under Section 376 I.P.C. is concerned, the accused has been convicted and sentenced to undergo rigorous imprisonment for 10 years and to pay a fine of Rs. 25,000/- in default, to undergo simple imprisonment for two years.

3. Challenging the said conviction and sentence, the appellant/accused is before this Court with