Delhi High Court: A Single Judge Bench comprising of Anu Malhotra, J. dismissed an appeal for reduction of sentence of the appellant awarded by trial court. The Court also gave directions essential for reformation of the convict (appellant) incarcerated in Tihar Jail.
The appellant was convicted under Section 6 read with Section 5(m) of POCSO Act along with Section 323 IPC. He was sentenced imprisonment for a period of 14 years under all the sections combined. He had undergone a period of 5 years, 4 months and 2 days. The convict filed the present appeal for seeking reduction of sentence. He was convicted for sexual assault on a two and a half years old victim child.
The High Court, considering all the facts, was of the view that no reduction in period of sentence as awarded by the trial court could be granted to the convict. However, following the precedent, the Court held that carcerial period should be such which reforms the convict. Therefore, the Court thought it essential to issue directions for reformation of the appellant-convict who was incarcerated in Tihar Jail. The Court directed the Superintendent at the Tihar Jail to consider an appropriate program for the appellant ensuring:
- meditational therapy;
- educational opportunity, vocational training, developmental program to enable livelihood options;
- post-release rehabilitation program;
- protection from being associated with anti-social groups as per Model Prison Manuel, 2016;
- adequate counseling for sensitising him to understand why he is in prison;
- conducting psychometric tests;
- contact with family members as per jail rules.
The appeal was disposed of in the terms above. [Randhir v. State (NCT of Delhi),2018 SCC OnLine Del 10906, decided on 28-08-2018]
