IMPHAL, MANIPUR – COURT SENTENCES STEP-FATHER TO FIVE YEARS FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT OF MINOR

In a significant ruling, a Manipur court has sentenced a 58-year-old man to five years of rigorous imprisonment for the sexual assault of his step-daughter, an incident reported in 2019. The case, registered under FIR No. 33(08)2019 at the Women Police Station, Imphal West, in August 2019, marks a critical step in addressing crimes against minors.

The survivor’s mother has also been sentenced to six months in prison under Section 21 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act for failing to report the assault to the authorities. Both sentences will be adjusted against the time already served by the accused as undertrials.

Special Judge R.K. Memcha Devi of the POCSO Court, in delivering the verdict, highlighted the gravity of the offense, stating, “The Accused No. 1 committed the offence against a child who regarded him as a father, entrusted to protect, care for, and provide education—actions that shattered the family and the child’s future prospects.” Despite the severity, the judge opted for the minimum sentence prescribed under the POCSO Act, citing the convict’s impoverished background and the dependency of two minor children on him. “Considering the economic condition of the family and the dependents, leniency is deemed appropriate,” the order noted.

In addition to the prison term, the convict has been fined ₹50,000, with an additional six months of incarceration imposed should he fail to pay the fine. The court has further directed the Government of Manipur to provide ₹1.5 lakh in compensation to the survivor from the Victim Compensation Fund, to be disbursed within the next month. This amount supplements an interim relief of ₹50,000 awarded in 2019 and will be held in a fixed deposit account to ensure the survivor’s welfare.

This ruling underscores the judiciary’s commitment to balancing justice with humanitarian considerations while safeguarding the rights of vulnerable victims.