A Special POCSO Court in Manjeri has sentenced a 50-year-old man to 120 years of rigorous imprisonment for the sexual abuse of his two minor stepdaughters. The court also imposed a heavy fine to support the survivors.

  • The convict received two separate sentences of 60 years each.
  • A total fine of ₹90,000 was imposed, to be paid to the victims.
  • The abuse was uncovered by the victims' elder sister during a trip to the beach.
  • The convict has been moved to Tavanur Central Jail.

In a landmark judgment aimed at upholding child rights and safety, the Special Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Court at Manjeri has sentenced a 50-year-old man to a staggering 120 years of rigorous imprisonment. The convict was found guilty of sexually abusing his two minor stepdaughters, aged 11 and 12.

Presiding Judge K.S. Varun awarded 60 years of rigorous imprisonment and a ₹45,000 fine for each of the two separate offenses. This brings the total imprisonment to 120 years and the total fine to ₹90,000. The court further stipulated that if the fine is not paid, the convict will serve an additional three months of imprisonment for each case. Crucially, the court ordered that the fine amount be paid directly to the survivors.

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Chronology of the Crime

The accused resided in a rented house in Kondotty with the children's mother and her five children. Investigations revealed a pattern of predatory behavior: the 12-year-old victim was abused starting from September 2023, while the 11-year-old victim was targeted from March 2025, following their return from an orphanage during holidays.

The harrowing truth came to light through the bravery of the victims' elder sister. Having previously left the home out of fear of the perpetrator, she took her younger sisters to Kozhikode beach during the 2025 summer vacation. It was during this outing that the children disclosed the abuse, leading to a formal complaint at the Kondotty police station.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that such extreme sentencing reflects a judicial shift toward providing absolute justice for crimes committed within the domestic sphere. By imposing a century-long sentence, the judiciary is sending a powerful deterrent signal against domestic predators. Furthermore, the directive to the District Legal Services Authority to facilitate compensation via the Victim Compensation Fund ensures that the legal process translates into tangible support for the victims' rehabilitation.

The severity of this sentence underscores the judiciary's zero-tolerance policy towards the violation of a child's most fundamental right to safety.

The prosecution's case was exceptionally strong, with 18 witnesses examined and 18 documentary evidences produced in court. The conviction under various sections of the POCSO Act marks a significant victory for child protection laws in Kerala. The convict has since been sent to the Central Jail at Tavanur.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: How long is the total jail term?
Answer: The man was sentenced to 60 years for each of the two cases, totaling 120 years of rigorous imprisonment.

Question 2: How will the victims be compensated?
Answer: The fine imposed on the convict will be paid to the survivors, and the District Legal Services Authority will also provide compensation from the Victim Compensation Fund.

Did You Know?: The POCSO Act is designed to provide a child-friendly legal environment and imposes much harsher penalties than standard criminal laws.