JUDGMENT

1. This petition has been filed by the petitioner under Section 389(1) Cr.P.C. praying to suspend the judgment of conviction dated 9.10.2017 and the order of sentence dated 12.10.2017 passed by the learned Special Judge (POCSO), Imphal West in Special Trial (POCSO) Case No.4 of 2016 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.4 of 2016 on the file of the learned Special Judge (POCSO), Imphal West, was convicted under Section 4 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 by the judgment dated 9.10.2017 and listed the case on 12.10.2017 for sentence hearing. On 12.10.2017, the petitioner was produced before the learned Special Judge, Imphal West and after hearing the petitioner and his counsel, he was sentenced to undergo rigorous imprisonment for a period of 12 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 apart, the learned Sp