Saying ‘I Love You’ To a 14-Year-Old Is Outraging Her Modesty: Court

New Delhi: A special POCSO court has sentenced a 19-year-old man to two years of rigorous imprisonment for sexually harassing a 14-year-old girl. The court found that the accused's words, "I love you," along with his physical actions, outraged  the modesty of the girl. 

Judge Ashwini D. Lokhande emphasized the strength of the evidence presented by the victim and her mother, noting that their testimonies were consistent and credible. “Nothing material has come on record to rebut their evidence. Moreover, the suggestion regarding the love affair of the victim with the accused is denied by both these witnesses,” the judge stated. The accused has also been ordered to pay a fine of Rs 2,000.

The incident occurred on the night of September 9, 2019, when the girl was sent by her mother to buy tea powder. Upon returning home, the accused, who lived in the same housing complex, allegedly grabbed her hand and declared his affection. Distressed, the girl managed to escape and informed her mother, who confronted the accused immediately. Witnesses reported that the accused threatened the girl's mother during this confrontation.

Following the incident, the girl's mother lodged a police complaint, leading to the arrest of the accused. 

He faced charges under the Indian Penal Code for outraging modesty and under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act.

The accused was initially arrested in 2019 and granted bail in 2023. His sentence will account for the time served in custody. 

The court heard testimonies from the girl, her mother, and the police officers involved in the investigation. The girl, who testified at 18 years old, recounted the traumatic event and its aftermath, which highlighted the emotional and psychological impact on her life.