the goan I network
MARGAO
South Goa Additional Sessions Judge Sherin Paul, who had convicted Siddesh earlier this week, pronounced the sentence in the open court on Thursday evening. Soon after the Judge pronounced the sentence in the court room, the lawyer representing the accused moved an application seeking time to surrender, but Judge Sherin Paul rejected the application saying there’s no provision in the law to grant the plea. The accused was later whisked by police personnel out of the court premises to a waiting police jeep. In her brief order, Judge Paul said “considering that the fact that this is a case wherein the rape is proved to be on the pretext of marriage, I am of the opinion that the accused is to be sentenced with simple imprisonment for a term of seven years under section 376 of the IPC and fine of Rs 10,000 and in default to undergo further imprisonment of three months”.
Public prosecutor, Clarita Simoes said that for the offense punishable under section 420 of the IPC, the Judge sentenced the accused to simple imprisonment for a period of three years and to pay Rs seven lakh as compensation to the victim considering the fact that it is established that the accused cheated the victim of Rs five lakh and also considering the interest on this amount.
While the accused has disclosed plans to challenge the order of the Additional Sessions court in the High Court, Adv Aires Rodrigues, appearing for the victim girl.
