The Acquittal Lasted Fourteen Months. The Sentence Is Twenty Years.
An appeal against acquittal in a POCSO case has succeeded, and the Division Bench has passed sentence itself — with most of the fine going to the girl.
The Court allowed the appeal, set aside the acquittal of 7 July 2025, and convicted the accused under Sections 363 and 376 of the Penal Code and Section 6 of the POCSO Act. He was sentenced to twenty years with a fine of Rs 1,00,000, and three years with Rs 5,000 for the kidnapping. Of the Rs 1,05,000, Rs 90,000 goes to the victim. He must surrender within one week.
- Most of the fine is the victim's — Rs 90,000 of Rs 1,05,000, paid on proper identification.
- Section 6 of the POCSO Act carries the twenty-year term, alongside Section 376.
- One week to surrender, failing which the trial judge must secure him on a conviction warrant.
- Default sentences attach to each fine — six months and two months respectively.
- Court
- High Court of Karnataka at Bengaluru
- Bench
- Justice H.P.SANDESH, Justice B.PRAMOD
- Citation
- Criminal Appeal No. 1584 of 2025
- Case
- Criminal Appeal No. 1584 of 2025
- Decided
- 3 September 2026
- Outcome
- Appeal allowed; acquittal set aside, accused convicted and sentenced
What was set aside
The appeal was against a judgment of acquittal of 7 July 2025 in a special case under the POCSO Act.
The Court allowed the appeal and set that acquittal aside.
The conviction and the sentence
The accused was convicted of offences punishable under Sections 363 and 376 of the Penal Code and Section 6 of the POCSO Act.
For the offence under Section 376 and Section 6 of the POCSO Act he was sentenced to twenty years, with a fine of Rs 1,00,000, and in default of payment a further six months.
For the offence under Section 363 he was sentenced to three years with a fine of Rs 5,000, and in default a further two months. Both fines are payable within four weeks.
Where the money goes, and what happens next
On deposit of the fine of Rs 1,05,000, an amount of Rs 90,000 is to be paid to the victim on proper identification. The remaining Rs 15,000 vests with the State.
The accused was directed to surrender before the trial court within one week. If he fails to do so, the trial judge is directed to secure him and send him to prison by issuing a conviction warrant to undergo the sentence imposed.
The Registry was directed to furnish a copy of the judgment to counsel for the accused forthwith.
Who argued it
Appearances as recorded in the judgment of the Court.
Frequently asked
What is the sentence under Section 6 of the POCSO Act here?
Twenty years with a fine of Rs 1,00,000, alongside the conviction under Section 376 of the Penal Code.
Does the victim receive the fine?
Largely. Rs 90,000 of the Rs 1,05,000 was directed to be paid to the victim on proper identification.
Appealing an acquittal in a sexual offence case
- Check who may appeal and under which provision before filing; the route differs for the State and for a private party.
- Prepare the sentence submissions with the appeal — the Bench may convict and sentence in one judgment.
- Ask for the fine to be directed to the victim; here Rs 90,000 of Rs 1,05,000 was.
- Expect a short surrender window and a conviction warrant if it is missed.
Source. High Court of Karnataka at Bengaluru, Criminal Appeal No. 1584 of 2025, decided 3 September 2026 by Justice H.P.SANDESH, Justice B.PRAMOD. This explainer is written from the judgment text as reported.
Claw tracks High Court of Karnataka at Bengaluru and 24 other High Courts, reads every order handed back, and surfaces the directions that carry a deadline. clawlaw.in