THE HIGH COURT OF SIKKIM : GANGTOK (Criminal Appeal Jurisdiction)

Dated : 16^th April, 2025 ---------------------------------------------------------------------

DIVISION BENCH : THE HON’BLE MRS. JUSTICE MEENAKSHI MADAN RAI, JUDGE THE HON’BLE MR. JUSTICE BHASKAR RAJ PRADHAN, JUDGE ---------------------------------------------------------------------

Crl.A. No.04 of 2024 Appellant : Shanu Rai @ Netra Kumar Rai versus Respondent : State of Sikkim An application under Section 374(2) of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 ------------------------------------------------------------------

Appearance Mr. Safal Sharma, Advocate (Legal Aid Counsel) for the Appellant.

Mr. Yadev Sharma, Additional Public Prosecutor with Mr. Sujan Sunwar, Assistant Public Prosecutor for the State-Respondent.

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JUDGMENT Meenakshi Madan Rai, J.

1. This Appeal assails the conviction of the Appellant under Section 5(g), punishable under Section 6 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 (hereinafter, “POCSO Act, 2012”) and under Section 366 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 (hereinafter, “IPC”), vide the impugned Judgment, dated 20-12- 2023