Delhi Court Sentences Man to Life for Heinous Crime Against a Minor


In a landmark judgment, Delhi's Rohini court has sentenced a man to two life terms for sodomizing and murdering a 10-year-old boy in 2018. The horrifying crime involved kidnapping, sexual assault, and murder by strangulation, followed by an attempt to destroy evidence by dumping the child's body in a drain in the Bhalaswa Dairy area.

Key Takeaways from the Judgment

  • Double Life Sentence – One for murder and another for sodomizing a minor below 10 years.
  • Additional Sentences – 7 years for kidnapping and 3 years for destroying evidence (to run concurrently).
  • Compensation for Victim’s Family – ₹10.50 lakh awarded to the family for their pain, suffering, and financial difficulties.
  • Convict's Background – The convict, aged 42, belonged to an economically weaker section and worked as a daily wage laborer.


Understanding Legal Terms Used in the Judgment

🔹 Sodomy – In legal terms, it refers to non-consensual unnatural sexual acts. Under Indian law, sexual assault of a minor is prosecuted under Section 377 IPC and POCSO Act, 2012.

🔹 Asphyxia consequent to antemortem manual strangulation – This means the victim died due to lack of oxygen caused by manual strangulation, and the death occurred before the body was discovered (antemortem).

🔹 Amicus Curae – A Latin term meaning ‘friend of the court’. It refers to a lawyer or legal expert appointed by the court to represent a party that cannot afford legal assistance or to provide impartial legal opinions.


Does India Need a Uniform Law on Compensation for Victims?

One major aspect of this case is the compensation provided to the victim's family. The court acknowledged that the family faced immense trauma, financial burden, and social stigma. However, India's approach to compensation is still case-specific rather than uniform and mandatory.

Current Compensation Provisions in India

  • Victim Compensation Scheme (VCS) under Section 357A CrPC – Provides financial aid to victims of crimes, but compensation varies from state to state.
  • POCSO Act, 2012 – Special provisions exist for minor victims of sexual abuse, allowing for financial relief and rehabilitation.
  • Nirbhaya Fund – A dedicated fund for victims of sexual violence but is often underutilized due to bureaucratic hurdles.

Why Do We Need a Stronger Compensation Framework?

📌 Should Not Depend on Convict’s Status – Compensation should be a state’s responsibility, not linked to whether the convict can pay.

📌 Uniformity Across India – Different states offer varying amounts, leading to inequality and injustice for victims' families.

📌 Compensation for All Victims (Male & Female) – Legal provisions often focus more on female victims, whereas male and other gender victims also suffer severe trauma and loss.

📌 Speedy Disbursal – Most victim families struggle for years to receive compensation. A dedicated mechanism should ensure immediate financial relief.


The Need for Stronger Punishments & Deterrence

The prosecution sought maximum punishment to deter criminals from committing such heinous crimes. While the case was brutal, the court did not categorize it under the ‘rarest of the rare’ doctrine, which is a requirement for the death penalty.

What Needs to Change?

🔹 Stronger Punishments – Heinous crimes against minors should automatically fall under the ‘rarest of rare’ category to ensure maximum punishment.

🔹 Swift Justice – Courts should expedite trials in cases of child abuse to bring justice within months, not years.

🔹 Community AwarenessPrevention is key. Societal awareness about child safety, reporting mechanisms, and strict punishments can act as a deterrent.


Final Thoughts

This judgment sends a strong message about crimes against children. However, India still needs a better compensation mechanism, uniform legal provisions, and faster judicial processes to support victims and deter future crimes. Justice should not just punish the guilty but also ensure relief for the victims.


📢 What are your thoughts on India’s compensation policies for victims of crime? Should the government introduce a uniform law? Drop your opinions in the comments! 👇

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