Delhi Court relies on testimony of minor boy in abuse case

New Delhi: A local court on Friday sent a man to 10 years imprisonment after he was found guilty for repeatedly committed unnatural sex with a 14-year-old “mentally weak” boy. The accused was awarded the sentence after the court relied on the testimony of the child.

Additional sessions judge A.K. Sarpal also directed the Delhi Legal Service Authority to pay a compensation of Rs 50,000 to the victim for the mental torture suffered by him due to repeated offence committed by the man.

The court awarded 10 years rigorous imprisonment to Delhi resident Dinesh, 30, who was running a barber shop, after holding him guilty for the offence under the Protection Of Children from Sexual Offences Act.

Regarding the leniency plea of the man, who is in custody for last three years, the court said even if a lenient view is taken, it has no option to reduce the jail term from minimum of 10 years.

The court said that during recording of statement of the victim with the help of a support person, it was found that he was taking time to recollect facts, “from which the weakness of his mind can be presumed”.  However, his testimony was trustworthy, the  court added.