Kerala High Court Upholds 10-Year Jail Term In Minor Assault Case

The Kerala High Court has upheld the conviction and 10-year jail term of a 47-year-old man from Alappuzha in a case involving the sexual assault of a minor girl. Justice A Badharudeen dismissed the appeal filed by the accused, identified as Reji, and confirmed the verdict of the trial court. The court also directed that his bail bond be cancelled.

The case relates to an incident on November 17, 2014, when the victim was a 17-year-old student staying at her home in Veliyanadu Panchayath. According to the prosecution, Reji took the girl to the courtyard and sexually assaulted her. The victim did not immediately report the incident, with the prosecution maintaining that she remained silent because of fear.

The matter came to light in late 2015 after the victim confided in her aunt. A confrontation between her father and Reji subsequently led to a police complaint, following which the victim provided a formal statement. Reji was arrested and charged under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and relevant provisions of the Indian Penal Code.

Also Read: CJP Vows Silence Won’t Prevail, Seeks Arrest After Bengal Volunteer’s Father Dies

In February 2025, the Alappuzha Special POCSO Court convicted Reji and sentenced him to 10 years of simple imprisonment, along with a fine of Rs 50,000. Challenging the verdict before the High Court, the defence argued that he had been falsely implicated because of personal enmity. It also pointed to the delay in reporting the incident and evidence suggesting that the accused and the victim had previously been in a relationship.

The High Court rejected the defence arguments and found the victim's testimony reliable and consistent. Justice Badharudeen observed that minor discrepancies concerning the description of trees at the location did not weaken the prosecution's case, particularly as the investigation had recorded the presence of tree roots in the courtyard.

The court also rejected the argument concerning a prior romantic relationship, observing that such a relationship has no legal relevance when the victim is a minor. Finding no grounds to interfere with the trial court's findings, the High Court upheld Reji's conviction and the 10-year statutory minimum sentence.

Also Read: Revanth Reddy Drops Konda Surekha From Telangana Cabinet With High Command Nod