JUDGMENT

1. This petition has been filed by the petitioner under Section 389(1) Cr.P.C. praying to suspend the operation of the judgment dated 18.03.2019 and the order of sentence dated 30.03.2019 passed by the learned Special Judge (POCSO), Imphal East in Special Trial (POCSO) Case No.12 of 2015 and to release the petitioner on bail during the pendency of the appeal.

2. The petitioner, who has been arrayed as an accused in Special Trial (POCSO) Case No.12 of 2015 on the file of the learned Special Judge (POCSO), Imphal East, was convicted under Section 4 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 by the judgment dated 18.03.2019 and fixed the matter on 30.03.2019 for sentence hearing. On 30.03.2019, the petitioner was produced before the learned Special Judge, Imphal East and after hearing the petitioner and his counsel, the petitioner was sentenced to undergo rigorous imprisonment for a period of 8 years and to pay fine of Rs.20,000/- under Section 4 of POCSO Act and in default to undergo six months simple imprisonment. The learned Special Judge also ordered that the said fine amount if deposited, the same shall be given to the victim girl as compensation. That ap