NON-REPORTABLE

2025 INSC 1272 IN THE SUPREME COURT OF INDIA CRIMINAL APPELLATE JURISDICTION CRIMINAL APPEAL NO. 679 OF 2024 K. KIRUBAKARAN … APPELLANT VS.

STATE OF TAMIL NADU … RESPONDENT

J U D G M E N T

DIPANKAR DATTA, J.

The final cause of law is the welfare of society.

~ Benjamin N. Cardozo, Former Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of United States.

1. Appellant was convicted for offences punishable under section 366 of the Indian Penal Code, 1872 and section 6 of the Protection of Children

1 from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 and sentenced to rigorous imprisonment for 5 years and 10 years, respectively, with fine. Aggrieved by such conviction and sentence, the appellant preferred an appeal before the High Court of Judicature at Madras. It was dismissed Signature Not Verified D N i I g T i I t N al l T y A s L ig R n E e J d A by vide the impugned judgment and order dated 13^th September, 2021.

Date: 2025.10.30 Reason:

POCSO Act

2. During the pendency of the appeal before the High Court, marriage between the appellant and the victim of crime was solemnized in May 2021. By an order dated 6^th February 2024, this Court had directed the Tamil Nadu State Legal Services Authority, [TNSLSA] to a