Delhi Court Sentences Man to 20 Years for Raping 12-Year-Old Cousin

A Delhi court in New Delhi has sentenced a 42-year-old man to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment for committing aggravated penetrative sexual assault on his 12-year-old cousin. Delivering the judgment, Judge Niti Suri Mishra termed the convict's act as "highly abominable" and raised grave concerns over the vulnerability of minors inside their domestic spaces.

Addressing the nature of the crime, Judge Mishra observed that girls are not safe even within the "four walls" of their own homes when individuals show no respect for the pious relationship between a brother and sister. She strongly condemned the actions of the convict, identified as Ajay, characterizing his conduct as "heinous, inhumane and insensitive behaviour towards minor children who are the epitome of innocence."

During the sentencing phase, the defence had prayed for leniency on behalf of the accused. Counsel for the defence submitted that the convict, who is now 42 years old, has three children and aged parents who are entirely dependent on him.

However, the court rejected the plea for a reduced sentence. Judge Mishra held that no circumstances concerning the accused, including his family responsibilities, could outweigh the immense trauma inflicted upon the child victim.

Highlighting the profound psychological impact of sexual violence against children, the court noted that the dastardly memories of the offence may haunt the young girl and exert negative impacts on her mental health for life. The judge observed that such an incident does not remain an isolated event in a victim's life, explaining that the survivor could undergo ongoing psychological distress and low self-esteem as a consequence of the assault.