(Per: HONOURABLE JUSTICE SMT. SONI SHRIVASTAVA)

9 22-01-2026 Heard the learned counsel for the appellant, Mr Pratik, the learned Counsel for State, Mr. Dilip Kumar Sinha and the learned Amicus Curiae, Ms. Aishwarya Shree.

2. The present appeal has been preferred against the judgment of conviction and order of sentence dated 02.12.2024 and 09.12.2024 respectively, passed by the Court of learned A.D.J.-VI- cum-Special Judge POCSO, West Champaran at Bettiah in Nautan P.S. Case No. 341 of 2021, S.G.R. No. 89/2021 (CIS-POCSO Case-137/2022), whereby and whereunder the appellant has been convicted under Sections 376(3) of the Indian Penal Code 1860 (hereinafter referred to as the “IPC”) and Section 4 and 8 of the POCSO Act , 2012 and have been directed to undergo sentence as mentioned hereunder:-

Section 376(3) IPC Rigorous imprisonment for 20 years Section 4 POCSO Act and fine of Rs. 20,000 and in default of payment of the same RI for 2 months Section 8 of POCSO Rigorous imprisonment for 5 years Act and fine of Rs.5000 and in default RI for 1 month All the sentences have been directed to run concurrently except sentence of in default of payment of fine.

3. The records of the present appe