J U D G M E N T

This Criminal Appeal has been filed against the Judgment dated

19.02.2020 passed in Spl.S.C.No.57 of 2018 by the learned Sessions Judge, Fast Track Mahila Court, Krishnagiri, Krishnagire District.

2.The case of the prosecution is that the accused on the pretext of love with the victim girl, who was aged about 17 years, used to follow her and expressed his love. On 15.06.2018 at about 5.30 a.m, the appellant abducted the victim girl, under the guise of love and on promise of marriage from her lawful guardianship, with an intent to have illicit intercourse with her. He took her to his friend's house situated at Tiruppur and had committed sexual assault till 27.06.2018. Subsequently, a complaint was filed by P.W.1/mother of the victim girl before the respondent police.

3.The respondent police registered a case in Crime No.11 of 2018 for the offence under Section 366(A) IPC. On completion of the investigation, the respondent police filed a charge sheet before the learned Sessions Judge, Fast Track Mahila Court, Krishnagiri for the offence under Sections 366(A) IPC and 5 of The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 [hereafter 'POCSO Act' for the sake of conv