Karnataka High Court
Sri Mohammed Aamir Raza vs State Of Karnataka By on 2 December, 2024
Author: M.Nagaprasanna
Bench: M.Nagaprasanna
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NC: 2024:KHC:49464
CRL.P No. 12392 of 2024
IN THE HIGH COURT OF KARNATAKA AT BENGALURU
DATED THIS THE 2ND DAY OF DECEMBER, 2024
R
BEFORE
THE HON'BLE MR JUSTICE M.NAGAPRASANNA
CRIMINAL PETITION NO. 12392 OF 2024
BETWEEN:
SRI MOHAMMED AAMIR RAZA
S/O. MOHAMMED YUNUS,
AGED ABOUT 33 YEARS,
RESIDING AT NO.14, 3RD CROSS,
BRINDAVAN LAYOUT,
VIJINAPURA, K.R. PURAM,
BENGALURU - 560 036.
...PETITIONER
(BY SRI TEJAS N., ADVOCATE)
AND:
1. STATE OF KARNATAKA BY
Digitally signed by
NAGAVENI SAMPIGEHALLI POLICE,
Location: HIGH BENGALURU - 560 064.
COURT OF
KARNATAKA
(REPRESENTED BY LEARNED
STATE PUBLIC PROSECUTOR
HCK, BENGALURU - 01)
2. SRI XXXX
S/O. XXXX,
XXXXXX, BENGALURU - 560 045.
...RESPONDENTS
(BY SRI HARISH GANAPATHY, HCGP FOR R-1)
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NC: 2024:KHC:49464
CRL.P No. 12392 of 2024
THIS CRIMINAL PETITION IS FILED UNDER SECTION 482
OF CR.P.C.,(528 OF BNSS) PRAYING TO SET ASIDE THE ORDER
DATED 25.09.2024 PASSED IN SPL.C.NO.2679/2023 ON THE
FIE OF THE HON'BLE FTSC-1, ADDL. CITY CIVIL AND
SESSIONS JUDGE, BENGALURU, WHICH IS ARISING OUT OF
CR.NO.376/2023 OF SAMPIGEHALLI POLICE STATION,
BANGALORE FOR OFFENCES P/U/S 17 AND 21 OF POCSO ACT,
2012 AND U/S 506 R/W 34 OF IPC AND CONSEQUENTLY
DISCHARGE THEM FROM THE CASE.
THIS PETITION, COMING ON FOR ADMISSION, THIS DAY,
ORDER WAS MADE THEREIN AS UNDER:
CORAM: HON'BLE MR JUSTICE M.NAGAPRASANNA
ORAL ORDER
The petitioner is accused No.4 in Special Case No.2679 of 2023 pending before FTSC-1, Additional City Civil and Sessions Judge, Bengaluru. He is knocking at the doors of this Court seeking quashment of entire proceedings registered against him in Crime No.376 of 2023 for offences punishable under Sections 17 and 21 of Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 ('the Act' for short) and Section 506 r/w Section 34 of the IPC.
2. Heard Sri Tejas S., learned counsel appearing for the petitioner and Sri Harish Ganapathy, learned High Court Government Pleader appearing for respondent No.1. -3-
NC: 2024:KHC:49464 CRL.P No. 12392 of 2024
3. Facts, in brief, germane are as follows:-
It is the case of the prosecution that a victim aged about 11 years, son of the complainant, was studying Quran at Faizan Manik Mastan Madarasa ('the Madarasa' for short) and prior to four months of registration of the complaint between June 2023 to 29-09-2023 when the 11 year old boy was asleep in the second floor of the Madarasa, accused Nos.1 and 2 being the teachers in Madarasa have entered into the room, dragged the victim to the corner, removed his pant, put coconut oil into private parts of the victim and committed unnatural sexual assault. This did not happen once but went on happening on several days. The boy then resisted going back to Madarasa. It is then the father/complainant comes to know what has happened in the Madarasa and questioned the accused. The accused are said to have threatened the complainant. It is then the complaint comes to be registered against the accused for the aforesaid offences. The Police, after investigation, file a charge sheet again for the aforesaid offences against all the accused. Against accused 3 and 4 the offences alleged are the ones punishable under Sections 17 and 21 of the Act. Filing of -4- NC: 2024:KHC:49464 CRL.P No. 12392 of 2024 the charge sheet has led the petitioner to the doors of this Court in the subject petition.
4. The learned counsel appearing for the petitioner would vehemently contend that the acts done by accused Nos. 1 and 2 who are teachers in the Madarasa are undoubtedly unpardonable. But, accused Nos. 3 and 4 who are founder- trustees are dragged into the web of crime. Accused No.4 is the present petitioner. The allegation against accused No.3 and 4 is non-information of the incident. The defence of the petitioner is that he did not know what had happened and once he came to know he also fought for registration of crime. Therefore, no proceedings should be permitted to be continued against him.
5. Per contra, the learned High Court Government Pleader would refute the submissions to contend that the petitioner was well aware or what was happening or what had happened in the Madarasa. In spite thereof, he did not inform the police. The non-information has led the victim being harassed repeatedly by accused Nos. 1 and 2, the teachers. These are matters which have to be tried and the offence against the petitioner is presently laid for abetment and non-information. -5-
NC: 2024:KHC:49464 CRL.P No. 12392 of 2024
6. I have given my anxious consideration to the submissions made by the respective learned counsel and have perused the material on record.
7. The afore-narrated facts are a matter of record. The complainant's son, a boy of 11 years joins the Madarasa for studying Quran. Accused Nos. 1 and 2 are the teachers who were teaching him. The incident happens for about 3 months between June 2023 and 29-09-2023. The incident is that when the 11 years boy, son of the complainant, was asleep in a room at the second floor of Madarasa, accused Nos. 1 and 2 removed the pant of the victim, pour coconut oil into the private parts and committed unnatural sexual assault. Therefore, the offences under the IPC and the Act have emerged against accused Nos. 1 to 4. Since the entire issue has sprung from the complaint, I deem it appropriate to notice the complaint. It reads as follows:-
"gÀªÀjUÉ, ೕ ಇ ೆಕ ಸಂ ೆಹ ೕ ಾ ೆ ೆಂಗಳ ರು ನಗರ.-6-
NC: 2024:KHC:49464 CRL.P No. 12392 of 2024 ಇಂದ, XXXX 35 ವಷ! XXXX ೆಂಗಳ ರು - 45 ªÉÆ £ÀA. XXXX &ಷಯ:- ೈ)ಾ *ಾ+, ಮ.ಾ/ ಮದರ.ಾದ 0 ಓದು2/ರುವ ನನ3 ಮಗ4ಾದ XXXX 11 ವಷ! ಈತನ 7ೕ8ೆ 8ೈಂ9ಕ ಹ8ೆ0 ನ:ೆ;ರುವ ಬ ೆ=.
4ಾನು 7ೕ8ೆ 2 ;ರುವ &>ಾಸದ 0 ನನ3 ?ೆಂಡ2 XXXX ಮತು/ ಮಕA>ೆ ಂB ೆ CಾಸCಾ9ದುDEೊಂಡು Eಾ :ೆGವ Eೆಲಸ *ಾI EೊಂIರುJೆ/ೕ4ೆ. ನನ3 ಮಗ4ಾದ XXXX ಎಂಬುವನನು3 2022 4ೇ ಇಸ& ಜೂ 2ಂಗಳ 0 ಥ+ಸಂದNದ ಅಮರ)ೊPೕ2 8ೇಔR ನ 0ರುವ ಅS ಕಯೂT ಮ;ೕB U VಂW ನ 0ರುವ ೈ)ಾ *ಾ+, ಮ.ಾ/ ಮದರ.ಾದ 0 ಖುYಾ ಓದಲು .ೇZ;ದುD ಅವನು ಮದರ.ಾದ ?ಾ.ೆ S ನ 0 ಉ ದುEೊಂಡು ಖುYಾ ಓದು2/ರುJಾ/4ೆ.
ಈ ೆ= 4 2ಂಗಳ \ಂ]ೆ ರ)ೆಯ 0 ಮ4ೆ ೆ ಬಂB]ಾDಗ ನನ3 ಮಗನು ಮದರ.ಾದ 0 Yಾ2N Cೇ>ೆ ಮಲ9]ಾDಗ ^ಾYೋ ನನ3ನು3 ಎ>ೆದುEೊಂಡು ?ೋ9 ೇYೆ ಕ:ೆ ಮಲ9ಸು2/]ಾDYೆ ]ೆವ_ ಇದDಂ9]ೆ ಎಂದು ?ೇ ದುD 4ಾನು ಸುಮ`4ೆ ಏ4ೋ ?ೇಳb2/]ಾD4ೆ ಎಂದು 2 ದುEೊಂಡು ಸುಮ`4ಾ9zÉÝನು.
B4ಾಂಕ:03-10-2023 ರಂದು ನನ3 ಮಗ XXXX - 11 ವಷ! ಈತನು ಮದರ.ಾದ cೕಚ ನ e ೈS fೕ gಂದ ೕ *ಾI ನನ ೆ ಇ 0 ಓದಲು ಇhಾ ಇ8ಾ0, ನನ3ನು3 ೇYೆ ಕ:ೆ .ೇZಸು, ಇ 0 ನನ ೆ ಕiಳತನ *ಾIBDೕ^ಾ ಅಂತ ಸುಳb ?ೇ \ಂ.ೆ Eೊಡು2/]ಾDYೆ ಎಂದು ?ೇ ದನು. ಆಗ 4ಾನು ಅಯು/ ಅ 0 ಬಂದು *ಾತ4ಾಡುJೆ/ೕ4ೆ ಇರು ಎಂದು ?ೇ ಸುಮ`4ಾ9ದDನು.
B4ಾಂಕ:04-10-2023 ರಂದು ಸಂ)ೆ 5-00 ಗಂkೆ ೆ 4ಾನು ಮತು/ ನನ3 ?ೆಂಡ2ಯು ಮದರ.ಾ ೆ ?ೋ9 ನನ3 ಮಗನನು3 C°èAzÀ £À£Àß vÀªÀÄä£À ªÀÄ£ÉUÉ PÀgÉzÀÄPÉÆAqÀÄ ºÉÆÃV ನನ3 ಮಗನನು3 &lಾರ *ಾI]ಾಗ, FUÉÎ 4 wAUÀ¼À »AzÉ, Yಾ2N Cೇ>ೆ 4ಾನು ಮಲ9]ಾDಗ ಮದPYಾ2Nಯ 0 ^ಾYೋ ಒಬnರು ೆo pೕR ?ೊದುDEೊಂಡು ನನ3 ಬ ಬಂದು ನನ3ನು3 ?ಾ; ೆ ಸ7ೕತ ಎ>ೆದುEೊಂಡು ?ೋ9 ]ೊಡVಮಕAಳb ಮಲಗುವ ಸqಳEೆA ಎ>ೆದುEೊಂಡು ?ೋ9 ನನ3 ಾPಂಟು Ust ನನ3 2ಕEೆA ^ಾವu]ೋ ಎ ೆv ಹst ನನ ೆ Yೇw *ಾIದDರು. ಇದZಂದ ೆಳ ೆ= ನನ ೆ kಾx 8ೆR ೆ ?ೋಗಲು 4ೋCಾ9ತು/. ನಂತರ ನನ ೆ -7- NC: 2024:KHC:49464 CRL.P No. 12392 of 2024 ಲೂ eೕಷ ಆ9ತು/ ಆ 7ೕ8ೆ ಮದರ.ಾದವರು ನನ ೆ ಔಷB Eೊc ದುD Jೆ ೆದುEೊಂಡ ನಂತರ ಕI7 ^ಾ9ತು/.
ಇ]ಾದನಂತರ ಮJೆ/ ಎರಡು ಾZ ಇ]ೇ Zೕ2 *ಾIದುD 4ಾನು ಈ &lಾರವನು3 ^ಾZಗೂ 2 ಸ]ೇ ಸುಮ`4ಾ9ದDನು. B4ಾಂಕ:25-09-2023 ರಂದು ಮ]ಾPYಾ2N ಸು*ಾರು 12 ಗಂkೆಯ 0 ಮJೆ/ ^ಾYೋ ಒಬnರು ೆo pೕR ಅನು3 ?ೊದುDEೊಂಡು ನನ3 ಬ ಬಂದು ಮJೆ/ ಅವರು ನನ3 2ಕEೆA ಎ ೆv ಹst ಮJೆ/ ನನ ೆ Yೇw *ಾI ?ೋ9ದುD ಕತ/ಲು ಇದುDದZಂದ 4ಾನು ಅವರನ3 ಗುರುತು \Iಯಲು ಆಗ ಲ0 ಎಂದು 2 ;ದನು.
ಈ &lಾರವನು3 ನನ3 ಮಗgಂದ 2 ದುEೊಂಡ 4ಾನು ಮJೆ/ ಮದರ.ಾ ೆ ?ೋ9 ಮದರ.ಾದ Ng ಾಲYಾದ ಅಬುDS yಾBೕ , Cೈ Ng ಾS ಶ{ೕS ಅಹಮ|, p}ಕ4ಾದ ಇಂvÉEಾ~, ಟN; ^ಾದ ಅ€ೕ ರವರನು3 •ೇc *ಾI ನನ3 ಮಗು&ನ 7ೕ8ೆ 8ೈಂ9ಕ ]ೌಜ!ನP ನ:ೆBರುವ ಬ ೆ= &lಾರ *ಾI]ಾಗ ಅವರು ಸZ^ಾ9 Yೆ.ಾƒ *ಾಡ ಲ0. ನಂತರ 4ಾನು ಮದರ.ಾದ 0ರುವ ;; EಾPಮರವನು3 lೆ, *ಾI]ಾಗ ಅಗ 24 Zಂದ ಇ 0ಯವYೆಗೂ &I„ೕ ಪ†kೇ‡ ಇದುD ಪN2 Bನ ಮದPYಾ2N 12-00 ಗಂkೆˆಂದ ೆಳ9ನ )ಾವ 3-00 ಗಂkೆ ವYೆ ೆ ;; EಾPಮYಾ ಪ†kೇ‡ YೆEಾo! ಆ9ಲ0]ೆ ಇರುವuದು ಕಂಡು ಬಂBತು. ಸದZ ಮದರಸ]ಾ Ng ಾಲYಾದ ಅಬುDS yಾBೕ , Cೈ Ng ಾS ಶ{ೕS ಅಹಮ|, ಟN; ^ಾದ ಅ€ೕ , p}ಕYಾದ ಇಂJೆEಾ~ ರವZ ೆ ಈ &lಾರCೆSಲ ೊ2/ದDರೂ ಸಹ ಅವರು ಈ &lಾರವನು3 ೕ ಾ ೆ ೆ ಅಥCಾ ೕಷಕZ ೆ 2 ಸ]ೇ ಮುstc ರುJಾ/Yೆ. ಸದZ ಮದರ.ಾದ 0 ನನ3 ಮಗನ 7ೕಲಲ0]ೆ ಇ4ೊ3ಬn ಹುಡುಗನ 7ೕಲೂ ಸಹ ಅ 0ನ p}ಕ ಇಂJೆEಾ~ ಎಂಬುವನು 8ೈಂ9ಕ {ರುಕುಳ gೕIರುವuದು 2 ˆತು.
ಮದರ.ಾದ 0ರುವ ನನ3 ಮಗ XXXX -11 ವಷ! ರವರ 7ೕ8ೆ p}ಕYಾದ. ಇಂJೆEಾ~, ಶ{ೕS ಅಹಮ| ರವYೇ ಗುದ ಸಂ•ೋಗ ನ:ೆ;ರುವ ಬ ೆ= ನನ ೆ ಅನು*ಾನ ಇರುತ/]ೆ. ಆದDZಂದ p}ಕYಾದ ಇಂJೆEಾ~, ಶ{ೕS ಅಹಮ| ರವರ &ರುದ‰ ಮತು/ ಅಪYಾದವನು3 ಮುstc ರುವ ಮದರ.ಾದ Ng ಾಲYಾದ ಅಬುDS yಾದ ಮತು/ ಟN; ^ಾದ ಅ€ೕ ಎಂಬುವರ &ರುದ‰ Eಾನೂನು ಕNಮ ಜರು9ಸ ೇEೆಂದು EೋರುJೆ/ೕ4ೆ.
ವಂದ4ೆಗ>ೆ ಂB ೆ, ತಮ` &Šಾ_;
¸À»/-"-8-
NC: 2024:KHC:49464 CRL.P No. 12392 of 2024 The Police after investigation have filed a charge sheet, summary of which, as obtaining in Column No.17, reads as follows:
"17. Eೇ;ನ ಸಂ‹ಪ/ &ವರ. (ಅವಶP&ದD °è ¥ÀævÉåÃPÀ ?ಾ>ೆ ಲಗ2/;) ೆಂಗಳ ರು ನಗರ ¸ÀA¦UÉ ºÀ½î ¥Éưøï oÁuÁ ಸರಹBDನ ಥ+ಸಂದNದ ಅಮರ)ೊPೕ2 ಬ:ಾವ ೆಯ ಆS RAiÀÄÆåA ªÀĹâ U VಂW ನ 0ರುವ ೈ)ಾ4ೆ *ಾ+, ಮ.ಾ/ JA§ ಮದರ.ಾದ 0 ಈ ಪNಕರಣದ ¸Á‹-1 ರವರ ಮಗ4ಾದ *ಾ। XXXX 11 ವಷ! ರವರು ಖುYಾ p}ಣ ಕ ಯು2/ದುD B4ಾಂಕ:05/10/2023 ರEೆA 4 2ಂಗಳ \ಂ]ೆ ಅಂದYೆ 2023 4ೇ ಇಸ& ಜೂ 2ಂಗ gಂದ B4ಾಂಕ:29/09/2023 ರ ನಡು&ನ ಅವ•ಯ 0 ಮದರ.ಾದ 24ೇ ಮಹIಯ 0ರುವ &]ಾPŽ!ಗಳb ಮಲಗುವ EೊಠIಯ 0 *ಾ। XXXX 11 ವಷ! ರವರು ಮಲ9]ಾDಗ ಮದರ.ಾದ p}ಕYಾದ 1 ಮತು/ 24ೇ ಆYೋ ಗಳb ಮದPYಾ2N 2-3 ಗಂkೆಯ ಸಮಯದ 0 ಸದZ EೊಠI ೆ ?ೋ9 ಾಲಕನನು3 ಮಲ9ದD ?ಾ; ೆ ಸ7ೕತ EೊಠIಯ .ೌ• Cೆ ಮೂ8ೆ ೆ ಎ>ೆದುEೊಂಡು ?ೋ9 ಮಗು&ನ ಾPಂಟು Ust ಮಗು&ನ ಗುದ]ಾ_ರEೆA EೊಬnZ ಎ ೆv ಹst ಮಗು&ನ ಆಸಹಜ 8ೈಂ9ಕ ಸಂ•ೋಗ ನ:ೆ;, ಮಗು&ನ 7ೕ8ೆ 8ೈಂ9ಕ ]ೌಜ!ನP ನ:ೆ;ದುD, ಸದZ 1 ಮತು/ 24ೇ ಆYೋ ಗಳb EzÉà jÃw 2-3 ¨Áj ¸ÀzÀj ¨Á®PÀ XXXX gÀªÀgÀ ªÉÄÃ¯É C¸ÀºÀd ¯ÉÊAVPÀ ¸ÀA¨sÉÆÃUÀ ನ:ೆ;ರುJಾ/Yೆ. ನಂತರ 1 ಮತು/ 24ೇ ಆYೋ ಗಳb ಾಲಕg ೆ gೕನು ಈ &lಾರವನು3 ^ಾZ ಾದರು 2 ;ದYೆ gನ3ನು3 ಸುಮ`4ೆ UಡುವuBಲ0 ಎಂದು 'ೕವ ೆದZEೆಯನು3 ?ಾ{ರುJಾ/Yೆ. Eೆಲವu Bನಗಳ ನಂತರ ಾಲಕ *ಾ। XXXX ಸದZ ಮದರ.ಾದ ಮುಖP p}ಕ4ಾದ ಎ3 ಆYೋ ೆ ?ಾಗೂ ಮದರ.ಾವನು3 ನ:ೆಸು2/ರುವ ]ಾವJೇ ಇ.ಾ0€ ಕ4ಾ!ಟಕ ಟN; ನ ೌಂಡ ಟN; ಮತು/ Eಾಯ!ದp!^ಾದ 44ೇ ಆYೋ ೆ 1 ಮತು/ 24ೇ ಆYೋ ಗಳb ತನ3 7ೕ8ೆ ಆಸಹಜ 8ೈಂ9ಕ ]ೌಜ!ನP ನ:ೆ;ದ ಬ ೆ= 2 ; ತನ ೆ ರ} ೆ EೋZದುD ಸದZ ಎ3, ಎ4 ಆYೋ ಗಳb 1 ಮತು/ 24ೇ ಆYೋ ಗಳ &ರುದ‰ ಕNಮEಾA9 ೕ ಾ ೆ ೆ *ಾ\2ಯನು3 gೕಡ]ೇ ಅಥCಾ ಾಲಕನ ೕಷಕZ ೆ *ಾ\2 2 ಸ]ೇ ಾಲಕg ೆ "ಈ &lಾರವನು3 gೕನು ^ಾZಗೂ ?ೇಳ ೇಡ ಸುಮ`gರು ಈ &lಾರ ನಮ ೆ ೊ2/]ೆ, gೕನು ಈ &lಾರವನು3 ^ಾZ ಾದರು ?ೇ ದYೆ gನ3ನು3 ಸುಮ`4ೆ UಡುವuBಲ0 ಎಂದು 'ೕವ ೆದZEೆ ?ಾ{ರುJಾ/Yೆ. ನಂತರ ಾಲಕ XXXX ತನ3 ತಂ]ೆ^ಾದ .ಾ‹-1 ರವರನು3 B4ಾಂಕ:04/10/2023 ರಂದು ಮದರ.ಾ ೆ ಕYೆ;Eೊಂಡು ತನ3 7ೕ8ೆ p}ಕರು 8ೈಂ9ಕ ]ೌಜ!ನP ಎಸ9ರುವ ಬ ೆ= *ಾ\2 2 ;ದುD, .ಾ‹-1 ರವರು ಸದZ Bನ ಸಂ)ೆ ಸು*ಾರು 7-00 ಗಂkೆಯ 0 ಮದರ.ಾದ 0 ಮುಖP p}ಕ4ಾದ ಎ3 ಆYೋ ೆ ಮತು/ ಮದರ.ಾವನು3 ನ:ೆಸು2/ರುವ ]ಾವJೇ ಇ.ಾ0€ ಕ4ಾ!ಟಕ ಟN; ನ ೌಂಡ ಟN; ಮತು/ Eಾಯ!ದp!^ಾದ 44ೇ ಆYೋ ೆ 2 ;]ಾಗ ಸದZ 3 ಮತು/ 44ೇ ಆYೋ ಗಳb .ಾ‹-1 -9- NC: 2024:KHC:49464 CRL.P No. 12392 of 2024 ರವZ ೆ gೕವu ಈ &lಾರವನು3 ^ಾZಗೂ ?ೇಳ ೇI ಇದನು3 ಇ 0 ೆ g 0; UI ಇ8ಾ0 ಅಂದYೆ gಮ`ನು3 4ಾವu ಸುಮ`4ೆ UಡುವuBಲ0 ಎಂದು 'ೕವ ೆದZEೆ ?ಾ{ ಪNಕರಣದ ಬ ೆ= Eಾನೂನು ಕNಮ ಜರು9ಸಲು ೕ ಾ ೆ ೆ *ಾ\2 gೕಡ]ೇ ಪNಕರಣವನು3 ಮುst?ಾಕುವ ಪNಯತ3 *ಾIರುವuದು ತgyೆ Cೇ>ೆ ಸಂಗN\;ರುವ .ಾ"ಾ"•ಾರಗ ಂದ ದೃಢಪc ರುತ/]ೆ.
ಆದDZಂದ 1 ಮತು/ 24ೇ ಆYೋ ಗಳb Sec: ಕಲಂ:377, 506 Yೆ/& 34 ಐ ; & ಕಲಂ: 4, 5(ಎ™), 5(J¯ï), 5(JA), 5(M), 6 of Protection of Children From Sexual offences Act ಮತು/ ಕಲಂ 75 )ೆ.)ೆ. ಆ, ZೕJಾP ಮತು/ 3 ಮತು/ 44ೇ ಆYೋ ಗಳb ಕಲಂ:
17, 21 of Protection of Children From Sexual offences Act ಮತು/ ಕಲಂ:506 Yೆ/& 34 ಐ ; ZೕJಾP p"ಾಹ! ಅಪYಾದ ಎಸ9ರುJಾ/Yೆಂದು zÉÆõÁgÉÆÃ¥ÀuÁ ¥ÀnÖ."
Against accused Nos. 1 and 2 the offences are dreadful. They are charged for the offences under the IPC and the Act. Against accused Nos. 3 and 4 the offences are the ones punishable under Sections 17 and 21 of the Act. After filing of the charge sheet, the petitioner seeks his discharge from the array of accused. The application for discharge comes to be rejected. Therefore, the petitioner is before this Court.
8. The offences alleged are the ones punishable under Sections 17 and 21 of the Act. Sections 17, 19 and 21 of the Act read as follows:
"17. Punishment for abetment.--Whoever abets any offence under this Act, if the act abetted is committed in consequence of the abetment, shall be punished with punishment provided for that offence.
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NC: 2024:KHC:49464 CRL.P No. 12392 of 2024 Explanation.--An act or offence is said to be committed in consequence of abetment, when it is committed in consequence of the instigation, or in pursuance of the conspiracy or with the aid, which constitutes the abetment.
... ... ...
19. Reporting of offences.--(1)
Notwithstanding anything contained in the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974), any person (including the child), who has apprehension that an offence under this Act is likely to be committed or has knowledge that such an offence has been committed, he shall provide such information to,--
(a) the Special Juvenile Police Unit; or
(b) the local police.
(2) Every report given under sub-section (1) shall be--
(a) ascribed an entry number and recorded in writing;
(b) be read over to the informant;
(c) shall be entered in a book to be kept by
the Police Unit.
(3) Where the report under sub-section (1) is given by a child, the same shall be recorded under sub-
section (2) in a simple language so that the child understands contents being recorded.
(4) In case contents are being recorded in the language not understood by the child or wherever it is deemed necessary, a translator or an interpreter, having such qualifications, experience and on payment of such fees as may be prescribed, shall be provided to the child if he fails to understand the same.
(5) Where the Special Juvenile Police Unit or local police is satisfied that the child against whom an offence has been committed is in need of care and protection, then, it shall, after recording the reasons in writing, make immediate arrangement to give him such care and protection (including admitting the child into shelter home or to the nearest hospital) within twenty-four hours of the report, as may be prescribed.
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NC: 2024:KHC:49464 CRL.P No. 12392 of 2024 (6) The Special Juvenile Police Unit or local police shall, without unnecessary delay but within a period of twenty-four hours, report the matter to the Child Welfare Committee and the Special Court or where no Special Court has been designated, to the Court of Session, including need of the child for care and protection and steps taken in this regard.
(7) No person shall incur any liability, whether civil or criminal, for giving the information in good faith for the purpose of sub-section (1).
... ... ...
21. Punishment for failure to report or record a case.--(1) Any person, who fails to report the commission of an offence under sub-section (1) of Section 19 or Section 20 or who fails to record such offence under sub-section (2) of Section 19 shall be punished with imprisonment of either description which may extend to six months or with fine or with both.
(2) Any person, being in-charge of any company or an institution (by whatever name called) who fails to report the commission of an offence under sub-section (1) of Section 19 in respect of a subordinate under his control, shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to one year and with fine.
(3) The provisions of sub-section (1) shall not apply to a child under this Act."
(Emphasis supplied) Section 17 deals with punishment for abetment. Abetment is defined under Section 16. Section 16 reads as follows:
"16. Abetment of an offence.--A person abets an offence, who--
First.--Instigates any person to do that offence; or Secondly.--Engages with one or more other person or persons in any conspiracy for the doing of that offence, if an act or illegal omission takes place in
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NC: 2024:KHC:49464 CRL.P No. 12392 of 2024 pursuance of that conspiracy, and in order to the doing of that offence; or Thirdly.--Intentionally aids, by any act or illegal omission, the doing of that offence.
Explanation I.--A person who, by wilful misrepresentation, or by wilful concealment of a material fact, which he is bound to disclose, voluntarily causes or procures, or attempts to cause or procure a thing to be done, is said to instigate the doing of that offence.
Explanation II.--Whoever, either prior to or at the time of commission of an act, does anything in order to facilitate the commission of that act, and thereby facilitates the commission thereof, is said to aid the doing of that act.
Explanation III.--Whoever employ, harbours, receives or transports a child, by means of threat or use of force or other forms of coercion, abduction, fraud, deception, abuse of power or of a position, vulnerability or the giving or receiving of payments or benefits to achieve the consent of a person having control over another person, for the purpose of any offence under this Act, is said to aid the doing of that act."
The other offence is Section 21 which deals with punishment for failure to report or record a case. If the ingredients of Section 16 are noticed qua the facts obtaining in the case at hand, it does amount to the ingredients being made out, for the simple reason of Section 164 statement of the child and that of the father. The statement of the victim reads as follows:
"?ೆಚುtವZ 4ಾP^ಾ•ೕಶರು ಮತು/ ಮುRå ಮ?ಾನಗರ ದಂ:ಾ•EಾZ, ಲಘœ ವPವ?ಾರಗಳ 4ಾP^ಾಲಯ, ೆಂಗಳ ರು ನಗರ PÉæöÊA ¸ÀASÉå: 376/2023
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NC: 2024:KHC:49464
CRL.P No. 12392 of 2024
ಸಂ ೆಹ ೕ ಾ ೆ
ಾ•ತನ ?ೆಸರು - XXXX
ತಂ]ೆಯ ?ೆಸರು - XXXX
ವಯಸು - 11 ವಷ!
ಉ]ೊPೕಗ - &]ಾPŽ!
&>ಾಸ - XXXX, ೆಂಗಳ ರು.
ಸಂತNಸ/g ೆ ಕನ3ಡ ಾರ]ೇ ಇದD Eಾರಣ ವ{ೕಲYಾದ pNೕಮ2 Šೆ•ೕ•ಾ ಆ .ಾಲಮಂಠ
•ಾhಾಂತEಾರ4ಾ39 4ೇ€;Eೊಳ 8ಾˆತು ?ಾಗು ಅವZ ೆ ಪN*ಾಣವಚನ
•ೋ•ಸ8ಾˆತು.
ದಂಡ ಪN{N^ಾ ಸಂ\Jೆ ಕಲಂ 164(5) ಸಹCಾಚಕ ಕಲಂ 25 fೕPÉÆìà EಾžDಯIಯ 0 ]ಾಖ ;Eೊಂಡ ಸಂತNಸ/ನ ?ೇ Eೆ:
ಪNŠೆ3 : 1 : gೕನು ಈ Bನ ಎ 0 ೆ ಬಂBBDೕ^ಾ?
ಉತ/ರ: EೋR! ೆ ಪNŠೆ3 : 2 : ^ಾEೆ ಬಂBBDೕ^ಾ?
ಉತ/ರಃ ತಪuƒ *ಾIರುವuದನು3 ?ೇಳಲು ಬಂB]ೆDೕ4ೆ ಪNŠೆ3: 3 : ಈ Bನ 4ಾP^ಾಲಯEೆA ^ಾರ )ೊJೆ ಬಂBBDೕ^ಾ? ಉತ/ರಃ ಅಪƒ4ೊಡ4ೆ ಪNŠೆ3 : 4 : ಏನು ಓದು2/BDೕ^ಾ ಎಂದYೆ?
ಉತ/ರಃ ಮದರ.ಾದ 0 ಓದು2/]ೆDೕ4ೆ ಪNŠೆ3: 5 : gನ3 )ೊJೆ ಎಷು ಜನ ಓದು2/]ಾDYೆ ಎಂದYೆ ? ಉತ/ರಃ ಸ*ಾರು 78 ಹುಡುಗರು ಓದು2/]ಾDYೆ 7ೕಲAಂಡ ಪNŠೆ3ಗ ಂದ ಸದZ ಾಲಕನು .ಾ}". ?ೇಳಲು ಸಮಥ!g]ಾD4ೆ. ಎಂದು 2ೕ*ಾ!g; ?ೇ Eೆಯನು3 ]ಾಖ ;Eೊಳ 8ಾˆತು.
ಪNŠೆ3 : gಮ` ಊರು ^ಾವuದು?
ಉತ/ರ: Eೋ8ಾರ ಪNŠೆ3 : Eೋ8ಾರದ 0 ^ಾರು ಇರುJಾ/Yೆ ? ಉತ/ರಃ ಅಜ¡ ಅ'¡ *ಾಮ *ಾ€
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NC: 2024:KHC:49464 CRL.P No. 12392 of 2024 ಪNŠೆ3 : gಮ` ತಂ]ೆ-Jಾˆ ?ೆಸರು ಏನು?
ಉತ/ರಃ ಅಪƒನ ?ೆಸರು XXXX, ಅಮ` ?ೆಸರು XXXX.
ಪNŠೆ3 : gಮ` ತಂ]ೆ-Jಾˆ ೆ ಎಷು ಜನ ಮಕAಳb? ಉತ/ರಃ ಇಬnರು ಪNŠೆ3 : ಅವರು ^ಾರು ^ಾರು?
ಉತ/ರಃ 4ಾನು ಮತು/ ತಂ9 ಪNŠೆ3: gಮ` ತಂ9ಯ ?ೆಸರು ಮತು/ ಅವರು ಏನು ಓದು2/]ಾDYೆ? ಉತ/ರಃ XXXX, XXXX ದ 0 ಅಂಗನCಾI ೆ ?ೋಗು2/]ಾDYೆ ಈ 7ೕಲAಂಡ ಾNರಂ¢ಕ ಪNŠೆ3ಗಳನು3 ಾಲಕg ೆ Eೇ ]ಾಗ ^ಾವu]ೇ ಭಯ ಇಲ0Bರುವuದನು3 ಮನಗಂಡು ನನ3 ಮುಂ]ೆ ?ಾಜYಾ9ರುವ ಕುZತು ಾಲಕನು3 *ಾತ4ಾIಸಲು ಾNರಂ¢ಸ8ಾˆತು.
( ಾಲಕನು ಈ Eೆಳ9ನಂJೆ ಘಟ4ೆಯನು3 &ವZಸುJಾ/> ೆ) 4 2ಂಗಳ \ಂ]ೆ ನನ3 ಮದYಾ ನ 0 ನ ರೂಂ ನ 0 4ಾನು ಮಲ9]ೆD. ಆ ಸಮಯದ 0 ನನ3ನು3 ೆo pೕR ಸ7ೕJಾ ಅ]ೇ ರೂಂನ ೇYೆ ಸqಳEೆA ಕYೆದು?ೋಯDರು. ಅಂದYೆ ಅ 0 ]ೊಡV ಹುಡುಗರು ಮಲ9ರುವ )ಾಗEೆA ಕYೆದುEೊಂಡು ?ೋಯDರು. ಅವZಬnರೂ ]ೊಡV ಮಕA>ಾ9ರುವuBಲ0 ಅವರು ತುಂ ಾ ]ೊಡVವZದDರು ನನ ೆ ಎಚtರCಾ]ಾಗ 4ಾನು ಅವZಬnರ ನಡುCೆ ಮಲ9]ೆD. ಆಗ 4ಾಲುA ಜನ *ಾತ4ಾಡು2/ದುDದು ನನ ೆ Eೇಳb2/ತು/ ಆದYೆ ಅವರು sಕAವYೋ ಅಥCಾ ]ೊಡVವYೋ ಎಂದು ನನ ೆ ೊJಾ/ಗು2/ರ ಲ0. EೊಬnZ ಎ ೆv ಮತು/ ಮJೊ/ಂದು ಔಷ•ಯನು3 €, *ಾI ನನ3 ಗುದ]ಾ_ರEೆA ಹಚುt2/ದDರು. ನಂತರ 4ಾನು ಎದD ಕೂಡ8ೇ ಅವರುಗಳb ಕಂಬ ಯನು3 ?ೊದುDEೊಂಡು ಓI ?ೋದರು. ಆ ಸಮಯದ 0 EೊಬnZ ಎ ೆvಯ Cಾಸ4ೆ ಬರು2/ತು/. ನಂತರ ನನ3 ?ಾ; ೆಯನು3 Jೆ ೆದುEೊಂಡು eದಲು ಮಲ9ದD ಸqಳEೆA ಬಂದು ŠೌಚಗೃಹEೆA ?ೋ]ೇನು. ೆಳ9ನ )ಾವ ŠೌಚEೆA ?ೋ9 ಬಂದ ನಂತರ ನನ ೆ ?ೊkೆ 4ೋವu ಬರಲು ಾNರಂಭCಾˆತು, ನಂತರ ಗುದ]ಾ_ರದ 0 4ೋವu Eಾ+;Eೊಂಡು ನಂತರ ೇ•^ಾ9 ನಂತರ ಸಂ)ೆಯ Cೇ>ೆ ೆ ಅದು ಸZ^ಾˆತು.
ಆ Zೕ2 ನನ ೆ ಎರಡು ಾZ *ಾIರುJಾ/Yೆ. ಈ| €8ಾ| ಹಬnದ \ಂBನ 3 Bನಗಳ 0 ಒಂದು ಾZ ಆ Zೕ2 *ಾIರುJಾ/Yೆ. *ಾರ4ೇ Bನ ನನ ೆ ಜ_ರ ಬರಲು ಶುರುCಾˆತು. ಮೂರು Bನಗಳ Eಾಲ ಜ_ರ ಬಂBತು/. ಈ| €8ಾ| ಹಬn ನಂತರದ 0 ಜ_ರ ಕ€`^ಾˆತು. ಸಂ)ೆ ಕುYಾ ಓದುವ ಸಮಯದ 0 ಇ2^ಾ Eಾ~ ಎಂ ಾತ ನನ3ನು3 gಮ` ಮ4ೆ ೆ ಕYೆ *ಾಡು2/ೕ^ಾ ಎಂದು Eೇ ರುJಾ/4ೆ. ಮ4ೆಯವZ ೆ *ಾತ4ಾಡಲೂ ಇದDYೇ *ಾತ4ಾಡು ಎಂದು ೕ Eೊc ದDರು. 4ಾನು ಆಗ ನನ3 Jಾˆ ೆ ಕYೆ *ಾI]ೇನು *ಾI ನನ ೆ. ಇ 0
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NC: 2024:KHC:49464 CRL.P No. 12392 of 2024 ಓದಲು ಆಗುವuBಲ0, ಅಸಹPCಾದ Eೆಲಸವನು3 ಇ 0 *ಾಡುJಾ/Yೆ ಎಂದು ?ೇ ]ೇನು. ನನ3 Jಾˆ ಅಸಹPCಾದ Eೆಲಸ ಏನು ಎಂದು Eೇ ದರು ಆಗ 4ಾನು ನನ3 Jಾˆ ೆ 7ೕ8ೆ ?ೇ ದ ಎ8ಾ0 &lಾರಗಳನು3 ?ೇ ]ೆನು. ಅದEೆA ನನ3 Jಾˆ ಈಗ fೕ ಇಡು ೆ ೆ= gನ3 ತಂ]ೆ )ೊJೆ ಬರುJೆ/ೕ4ೆ ಎಂದು ?ೇ ದರು. ಎ8ಾ0 &lಾರಗಳನು3 4 2ಂಗಳ \ಂ]ೆ žೕ Ng ಾS ೆ ಮತು/ Cೈ Ng ಾS ೆ ?ೇ ]ೆD. ಅಬುDS yಾದ ಮತು/ ಶ{ೕS ಅಹಮ`| ಅವZ ೆ ?ೇ ]ೆD . ಅವರು ನಮ ೆ ೇYೆ Eೆಲಸಗಳb ಇ]ೆ ಎಂದು ?ೇ ಕಳb\;ದDರು.
ನನ3 ತಂ]ೆ ಬಂ]ಾಗ ;; EಾP7ೕYಾ lೆ, *ಾಡುJೆ/ೕ4ೆ ಎಂದು ?ೇ ]ಾಗ *ಾ2 ೆ *ಾತು ಆ9 ಜಗಳCಾˆತು. ಆ7ೕ8ೆ ಏ4ಾˆತು ಎಂದು ನನ ೆ ೊJಾ/ಗ ಲ0. ನನ3 ತಂ]ೆ ?ಾ; ೆ ಮತು/ ಟNಂ, Jೆ ೆದುEೊಂಡು ಬರಲು ?ೇ ದರು. XXXX ಗೂ ಕೂಡ ?ಾ; ೆ ಮತು/ ಟNಂ, ತರಲು ?ೇ ದರು. ನಂತರ ಮ4ೆ ೆ ಬಂದು ೕ ೕ ಾ ೆ ೆ ?ೋ9ರುJೆ/ೕCೆ. ಇಂJೆ Eಾ~, ಅಬುDS yಾದ ಮತು/ ಶ{ೕS ಅಹಮ`| ಅವZ ೆ 4ಾನು }€ಸುವuBಲ0. ಇ]ೇ Zೕ2 ?ೇ Eೆ Eೊಡ ೇಕು ಎಂದು ^ಾYಾದರೂ gಮ ೆ ಒJಾ/ಯ *ಾIದDYಾ ಅಥCಾ ?ೆದZ;]ಾDYಾ ಎಂದYೆ ಇಲ0.
(ಸಮಯ 5-00 Zಂದ 5-35 ರವYೆ ೆ ಸಂತNಸ/g ೆ ಕನ3ಡ ಾರ]ೇ ಇದD Eಾರಣ ವ{ೕಲYಾದ pNೕಮ2 Šೆ•ೕ•ಾ ಆ .ಾಲಮಂಠ ಇವರು ಾಲಕನು ಉದು!&ನ 0 ?ೇ ದDನು3 ಕನ3ಡEೆA ತಜು!7 *ಾI ?ೇ ದುD, ಅದರಂJೆ 4ಾP^ಾಲಯದ ೆರಳಚುt ಾರ4ಾದ pNೕ ಚಂದNŠೇಖರ ಇವರು ನನ3 ಉಕ/8ೇಖದಂJೆ ಇ -EಾP*ಾYಾ N;IಂW ನ 0 ೆರಳಚುt *ಾIರುJಾ/Yೆ) (ಓ.ºÉÃ.PÉÃ.ಸ.ಇ.) ಸ\/-
9/10/23
(pNೕ ?ೆ¥. .eೕಹ ಕು*ಾ )
6 4ೇ ?ೆಚುtವZ 4ಾP^ಾಲಯ
ಲಘœ ವPವ?ಾರಗಳ 4ಾP^ಾಲಯ
ಮತು/ ಎ;ಎಂಎಂ, ೆಂಗಳ ರು.
ಸ\/-
ಾಲಕನ ಸ\"
The child narrates that he did inform the petitioner and others but he was shunted away saying that they have better business to do. If the statement of the victim is noticed, it would clearly
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NC: 2024:KHC:49464 CRL.P No. 12392 of 2024 indicate both the offences being met against the petitioner and he has undoubtedly failed to report the offence. The failure would undoubtedly attract punishment under Section 21 of the Act albeit, prima facie. The offences alleged against accused Nos. 1 and 2 are so horrendous and heinous that the petitioner ought to have reported it, the moment he gets knowledge of it. His defence is that he was not aware of it. Whether he knew or not cannot be decided in a petition under Section 482 of the Cr.P.C. It is a matter of evidence, as Section 164 Cr.P.C., statement of the victim runs completely contrary to the defence of the petitioner.
9. It is in public domain that several cases of heinous offences committed under the Act go unnoticed due to the lack of information, as it is suppressed by the concerned. But, the fact is that, the victims who are subjected to such assault, by the accused, except in justifiable cases, get away by lack of reporting. Therefore, non-reporting snowballs into a serious offence.
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NC: 2024:KHC:49464 CRL.P No. 12392 of 2024
10. The Apex Court has time and again considered this aspect i.e., importance of reporting of offences, particularly by doctors and the seriousness attached to such reporting. A three Judge Bench of the Apex Court in the case of X .. v. PRINCIPAL SECRETARY, HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE DEPARTMENT1 has held as follows:
"82. Furthermore, Section 19(1) of the POCSO Act requires that any person, including a child, who has knowledge of the commission of an offence punishable under the POCSO Act, or an apprehension that such an offence may be committed, is mandatorily required to provide information to the Special Juvenile Police Unit or the local police. Section 19(2) of the POCSO Act stipulates that every such report under Section 19(1) shall be ascribed an entry number and recorded in writing, read over to the informant, and entered in a book to be kept by the police unit. Failure to report, as mandated by Section 19, is a punishable offence under Section 21 of the POCSO Act. Neither the POCSO Act nor the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Rules 2012 prescribe a template or a format for the report mandated under Section 19(1).
83. When a minor approaches an RMP for a medical termination of pregnancy arising out of a consensual sexual activity, an RMP is obliged under Section 19(1) of the POCSO Act to provide information pertaining to the offence committed, to the concerned authorities. An adolescent and her guardian may be wary of the mandatory reporting requirement as they may not want to entangle themselves with the legal process. Minors and their 1 2022 SCC OnLine SC 1321
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NC: 2024:KHC:49464 CRL.P No. 12392 of 2024 guardians are likely faced with two options - one, approach an RMP and possibly be involved in criminal proceedings under the POCSO Act, or two, approach an unqualified doctor for a medical termination of the pregnancy. If there is an insistence on the disclosure of the name of the minor in the report under Section 19(1) of POCSO, minors may be less likely to seek out RMPs for safe termination of their pregnancies under the MTP Act.
84. To ensure that the benefit of Rule 3B(b) is extended to all women under 18 years of age who engage in consensual sexual activity, it is necessary to harmoniously read both the POCSO Act and the MTP Act. For the limited purposes of providing medical termination of pregnancy in terms of the MTP Act, we clarify that the RMP, only on request of the minor and the guardian of the minor, need not disclose the identity and other personal details of the minor in the information provided under Section 19(1) of the POCSO Act. The RMP who has provided information under Section 19(1) of the POCSO Act (in reference to a minor seeking medical termination of a pregnancy under the MTP Act) is also exempt from disclosing the minor's identity in any criminal proceedings which may follow from the RMP's report under Section 19(1) of the POCSO Act. Such an interpretation would prevent any conflict between the statutory obligation of the RMP to mandatorily report the offence under the POCSO Act and the rights of privacy and reproductive autonomy of the minor under Article 21 of the Constitution. It could not possibly be the legislature's intent to deprive minors of safe abortions."
(Emphasis supplied)
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NC: 2024:KHC:49464 CRL.P No. 12392 of 2024 The Apex Court holds that Section 19(1) of the Act requires that any person, including a child, who has knowledge of commission of an offence under the Act is mandatorily required to provide information to the Special Juvenile Police Unit or local Police. Section 19(2) of the Act stipulates that every such report under Section 19(1) shall be ascribed an entry number and recorded in writing, read over to the informant and entered in a book to be kept by the Police Unit. Failure to report would definitely ensue punishment. It further observes that when a minor approaches a Registered Medical Practitioner for medical termination of pregnancy arising out of consensual sexual activity, the RMP is obliged under Section 19(1) of the Act to provide information pertaining to the offence committed to the concerned authorities. An adolescent and her guardian may be wary of the mandatory requirement of reporting, as they may not want to entangle themselves in a legal web.
11. Later to the aforesaid judgment, the Apex Court in the case of STATE OF MAHARASHTRA AND ANOTHER v. DR. MAROTI2 directs that reporting of offences under Section 2 (2023) 4 SCC 298
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NC: 2024:KHC:49464 CRL.P No. 12392 of 2024 19 and punishment for those offences under Section 21 must be of strict compliance. The Apex Court holds as follows:
"12. To achieve the avowed purpose, a legal obligation for reporting of offence under the POCSO Act is cast upon on a person to inform the relevant authorities specified thereunder when he/she has knowledge that an offence under the Act had been committed. Such obligation is also bestowed on person who has apprehension that an offence under this Act is likely to be committed. Besides casting such a legal obligation under Section 19, the legislature thought it expedient to make failure to discharge the obligation thereunder as punishable, under Section 21 thereof. True that under Section 21(1), failure to report the commission of an offence under sub-section (1) of Section 19 or Section 20 or failure to report such offence under sub-section (2) of Section 19 has been made punishable with imprisonment of either description which may extend to six months or with fine or with both. Sub-section (2) of Section 21 provides that any person who being in-charge of any company or an institution (by whatever name called) who fails to report the commission of an offence under sub-section (1) of Section 19 in respect of a subordinate under his control, shall be punishable with imprisonment with a term which may extend to one year or with fine. Certainly, such provisions are included in with a view to ensure strict compliance of the provisions under the POCSO Act and thereby to ensure that the tender age of children is not being abused and their childhood and youth is protected against exploitation.
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NC: 2024:KHC:49464 CRL.P No. 12392 of 2024
13. Looking at the penal provisions referred above, making failure to discharge the obligation under Section 19(1) punishable only with imprisonment for a short duration viz. six months, one may think that it is not an offence to be taken seriously. However, according to us that by itself is not the test of seriousness or otherwise of an offence of failure to discharge the legal obligation under Section 19, punishable under Section 21 of the POCSO Act. We are fortified in our view, by the decisions of a three-Judge Bench of this Court in Vijay Madanlal Choudhary v. Union of India [Vijay Madanlal Choudhary v. Union of India, (2023) 12 SCC 1 : 2022 SCC OnLine SC 929] and a two-Judge Bench in Shankar Kisanrao Khade v. State of Maharashtra [Shankar Kisanrao Khade v. State of Maharashtra, (2013) 5 SCC 546 : (2013) 3 SCC (Cri) 402] .
14. In the decision in Shankar Kisanrao Khade case [Shankar Kisanrao Khade v. State of Maharashtra, (2013) 5 SCC 546 : (2013) 3 SCC (Cri) 402] , a two-
Judge Bench of this Court in paras 77.5 and 77.6 issued certain directions for due compliance and they read thus :
(SCC p. 583, para 77) "77. ... 77.5. If hospitals, whether government or privately-owned or medical institutions where children are being treated come to know that children admitted are subjected to sexual abuse, the same will immediately be reported to the nearest Juvenile Justice Board/SJPU and the Juvenile Justice Board, in consultation with SJPU, should take appropriate steps in accordance with the law safeguarding the interest of the child.
77.6. The non-reporting of the crime by anybody, after having come to know that a minor child below the age of 18 years was subjected to any sexual assault, is a serious crime and by not reporting they are screening the offenders from legal punishment and hence be held liable under the
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NC: 2024:KHC:49464 CRL.P No. 12392 of 2024 ordinary criminal law and prompt action be taken against them, in accordance with law."
15. In Vijay Madanlal Choudhary case [Vijay Madanlal Choudhary v. Union of India, (2023) 12 SCC 1 :
2022 SCC OnLine SC 929] , this Court observed that the length of punishment is not only the indicator of the gravity of offence and it is to be judged by a totality of factors, especially keeping in mind the background in which the offence came to be recognised by the legislature in the specific international context. In this context, it is also relevant to note that the United Nations Convention on Rights of Children, which was ratified by India on 11-12-1992, requires the State parties to undertake all appropriate national, bilateral and multilateral measures to prevent the inducement or coercion of child to engage in any unlawful sexual activity, the exploitative use of children in prostitution or other unlawful sexual practices, etc. Articles 3(2) and 34 of the Convention have placed a specific duty on the State to protect the child from all forms of sexual exploitation and abuse.
16. Prompt and proper reporting of the commission of offence under the POCSO Act is of utmost importance and we have no hesitation to state that its failure on coming to know about the commission of any offence thereunder would defeat the very purpose and object of the Act. We say so taking into account the various provisions thereunder. Medical examination of the victim as also the accused would give many important clues in a case that falls under the POCSO Act. Section 27(1) of the POCSO Act provides that medical examination of a child in respect of whom any offence has been committed under the said Act, shall, notwithstanding that a first information report or complaint has not been registered for the offence under the Act, be conducted in accordance
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NC: 2024:KHC:49464 CRL.P No. 12392 of 2024 with Section 164-ACrPC, which provides the procedures for medical examination of the victim of rape.
... ... ...
30. True that the FIR and the charge-sheet still remain in fact in respect of the other accused. But then, non-reporting of sexual assault against a minor child despite knowledge is a serious crime and more often than not, it is an attempt to shield the offenders of the crime of sexual assault. Be that as it may in view of the decision in Shankar Kisanrao Khade case [Shankar Kisanrao Khade v. State of Maharashtra, (2013) 5 SCC 546 :
(2013) 3 SCC (Cri) 402] holding non-reporting of such a crime as serious and in view of the position obtained from a conjoint reading of Sections 19(1) and 21 of the POCSO Act, such persons are also liable to be proceeded with, in accordance with law. In this context, it is also relevant to refer to an observation made by this Court in the said case that this Court under parens patriae jurisdiction has a duty to give directions for compliance of the provisions under the POCSO Act."
(Emphasis supplied)
12. Subsequent to the aforesaid judgments, the Apex Court in the case of JUST RIGHTS FOR CHILDREN ALLIANCE v. S. Harish3, has held as follows:-
".... .... ....
259. We endorse the view and the directions issued by this Court in Shankar Kisanrao Khade (supra) and are of the considered view that a meaningful effect to the provisions of the POCSO can only be given if such 3 2024 SCC OnLine SC 2611
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NC: 2024:KHC:49464 CRL.P No. 12392 of 2024 directions are complied with to the letter and spirit. We further caution the courts to refrain from showing any form of leniency or leeway in offences under Section 21 of the POCSO, particularly to schools/educational institutions, special homes, children's homes, shelter homes, hostels, remand homes, jails, etc. who failed to discharge their obligation of reporting the commission or the apprehension of commission of any offence or instance of child abuse or exploitation under the POCSO. Section(s) 19, 20 and 21 of the POCSO are mandatory in nature, and there can be no dilution of the salutary object and purport of these provisions. Merely because Section 21 prescribes a lesser threshold of punishment, the same in no way derogates or detracts from the gravity or severity of the offence which has been sought to be punished as held in Maroti (supra). It is a settled position of law that the length of punishment is not the only indicator of the gravity of the offence and it is to be judged by a totality of factors, especially keeping in mind the background in which the offence came to be recognized by the legislature in the specific international context i.e., the United Nations Convention on Rights of Children, particularly Article(s) 3(2) and 34 of the said Convention."
(Emphasis supplied) The Apex Court, in the afore-quoted judgments, was considering a case of non-reporting of offences under the Act and directs strict compliance of Section 19 of the Act. Therefore, all the judgments of the Apex Court quoted supra would unmistakably direct that reporting of offences under the Act requires strict compliance failing which, the offender committing the offence arising out of rape or sexual abuse on a
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NC: 2024:KHC:49464 CRL.P No. 12392 of 2024 child, will get away from the clutches of law, which would defeat the very object of promulgation of the Act, as the provision is one of those steps towards preventive measures of child abuses. Therefore, responsibility to report is cast on all stake holders. If the facts in the case at hand are noticed, the non-reporting becomes a serious offence, as the offences against the principal offenders-the teachers, are so dreadful that its repetition would send a chilling effect on the psyche of the Society.
13. Finding no merit in the petition, the petition stands rejected.
It is made clear that the observations made in the course of the order are only for the purpose of consideration of the case of petitioner under Section 482 of Cr.P.C. and the same shall not bind or influence the proceedings pending against him or the other accused.
Sd/-
(M.NAGAPRASANNA) JUDGE BKP List No.: 1 Sl No.: 173