Delhi Court Sentences Mahendra to 20 Years for Assaulting Boy

A Delhi Court has sentenced a man named Mahendra to a 20-year jail term under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act for sexually assaulting a boy. The court has also granted a compensation of Rs 20 Lakh for the rehabilitation of the victim, who is now a college-going boy. He was a minor of 16 years when he was assaulted by Mahendra in 2021.

An FIR was lodged by the father of the victim at Rajouri Garden police station. Special judge (POCSO) Preeti Pareva sentenced Mahendra to a rigorous jail term of 20 years and imposed a fine of Rs 52000 under sections 6 and 12 of POCSO and sections of IPC. Additionally, Mahendra was also convicted under Section 66 E (punishment for violation of privacy) under the Information and Technology (IT) Act.

While sentencing Mahendra, the court said, “The purpose of the criminal justice system is not only to attain catharsis by handing down proportionate punishment to the offender but also to rehabilitate the victim, who is scarred physically and mentally, forever. If we fail to do so, we are indicating our duty towards the victim, whose psychological well-being has been denied and may have longer repercussions.”

This case was lodged on 11 February 2021 by the father of the victim boy who alleged that his son was assaulted by Mahendra and he also took pictures of the victim. On the basis of this complaint, a case under sections of POCSO, IPC, and IT Act was registered.