Per W. Diengdoh, J:

JUDGMENT

1. The appellant having been convicted and made to serve a cumulative sentence of 10(ten) years rigorous imprisonment with fine of ₹ 30,000/- (Rupees thirty thousand) for an offence punishable under Section 6 of the POCSO Act, and rigorous imprisonment of 1(one) year with fine of ₹ 5,000/- (Rupees five thousand) for an offence punishable under Section 506 Part-I IPC, relatable to Judgment and Sentence dated 03.01.2024 passed by the learned Special Judge, (POCSO), Nongstoin, West Khasi Hills District in Special (POCSO) Case No.11 of 2019, has now approached this Court, with this instant appeal, with a prayer to set aside and quash the impugned judgment of conviction and related sentence.

2. The prosecution case emanates from the filing of an FIR before the Officer-in-Charge, Nongstoin Police Station on 07.12.2018 by the complainant, who has alleged that the appellant herein, has committed sexual penetration on her minor daughter (name withheld) aged about 10(ten) years on 04.12.2018, at his house.

3. On receipt of the said FIR, a case was registered being Nongstoin P.S Case No. 99 (12) 2018, under Section 5(m)(n)/6 of the POCSO Act, read with Section 506