Those convicted of child abuse do not deserve leniency: HC

A 75-year-old convicted of child sexual abuse had sought bail during pendency of his appeal and the suspension of his sentence.

The Bombay high court has rejected the bail plea of a 75-year-old man convicted of child sexual assault, claiming that such people do not deserve any leniency as such crimes cause inconceivable trauma to victims. “Often the victims, particularly those who were minors at the time of the incident, suffer from life-long post-traumatic stress disorders,” said Justice AM Badar.

The Bombay high court has rejected the bail plea of a 75-year-old man convicted of child sexual assault, claiming that such people do not deserve any leniency. (HT File)

The senior citizen was recently convicted for penetrative sexual assault on a six-year-old girl – his relative – under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

He had sought bail during pendency of his appeal and the suspension of his sentence.

He claimed he had been falsely implicated by the girl’s mother due to a legal conflict between them. He also sought leniency citing his old age. Justice Badar, however, rejected his argument. “Sexual abuse, especially against minors, causes trauma because of the shame it instills in the victim,” he said.