A special POCSO court in Villupuram has sentenced a 65-year-old man to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment for sexually harassing a six-year-old girl. The court has also ordered compensation of ₹4 lakh for the victim.

  • 65-year-old accused V. Selvam sentenced to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment.
  • The crime occurred in November 2020 involving a six-year-old girl.
  • The Special POCSO Court ordered ₹4 lakh compensation for the victim.

Villupuram, Tamil Nadu: In a significant ruling aimed at upholding child safety laws, a special court dedicated to the exclusive trial of cases under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act has delivered a stern verdict. On Friday, the court convicted and sentenced a 65-year-old man to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment for the sexual harassment of a minor girl.

The accused, identified as V. Selvam of Vanur, was found guilty of harassing a six-year-old child while she was playing in front of her residence. The incident dates back to November 7, 2020, when the victim's parents immediately approached the Vanur police to lodge a formal complaint, leading to the subsequent arrest of the accused.

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Judicial Ruling and Compensation

Presiding over the case, Special Court Judge M. Vinodha handed down the sentence of 20 years of rigorous imprisonment. Recognizing the psychological and social impact on the minor, the court also mandated that a sum of ₹4 lakh be paid as compensation to the victim to assist in her recovery and rehabilitation.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that such stringent sentences by special POCSO courts serve as a critical deterrent against crimes targeting vulnerable minors. The integration of both punitive measures (long-term imprisonment) and restorative measures (financial compensation) reflects a holistic judicial approach toward child protection in India.

Strict enforcement of POCSO mandates is essential to ensure that the legal system remains a shield for the most vulnerable members of society.

Legal experts suggest that the swift conviction in this long-standing case (dating back to 2020) reinforces public confidence in the specialized judicial machinery designed to handle sensitive child abuse cases.

Did You Know?: The POCSO Act was enacted in 2012 to provide a robust legal framework for the protection of children from various forms of sexual exploitation.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What was the specific sentence handed to the accused?
The accused, V. Selvam, was sentenced to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment.

2. Is there any financial relief ordered for the victim?
Yes, the court has ordered ₹4 lakh in compensation to be paid to the victim.