Keywords -Justice SK Sahoo, Orissa High Court, Verdict, Rape, PTI Report, Raksha Bandhan
Bhubaneswar, September 1, 2023 – In a solemn and distressing verdict on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan, the Orissa High Court reaffirmed the decision of a trial court, sentencing a man to 20 years behind bars for the heinous and recurrent rape of his own sister, which ultimately led to her becoming pregnant at the tender age of 14.
Justice S K Sahoo presided over the case, dismissing the convict’s appeal and delivering a stern message by imposing a hefty fine of Rs 40,000 in addition to the prison term. Failure to pay the fine will result in an additional two years of rigorous imprisonment for the offender. Expressing profound regret at having to preside over such a tragic case on a day that celebrates the sacred bond between siblings, Justice Sahoo made poignant remarks.
“It is both shocking as well as ironical to hear this case and render judgment on an auspicious day when a brother takes the solemn pledge not only to protect his sister but also to nurture her till his last breath,” Justice Sahoo observed, as reported by PTI.
The grim tale unfolded when the man was initially convicted by the Malkangiri special judge’s court for repeatedly raping his younger sister over the course of a year, spanning from May 2018 to May 2019, within the confines of their village. His malevolent actions did not end there, as he faced another conviction in January 2020 for threatening his sister to keep her traumatic ordeal a secret, thereby compounding the emotional and psychological trauma she endured.
The Orissa High Court’s decision underscores the gravity of the offense and sends a clear message that such abhorrent acts will not be tolerated under the law. The judiciary’s commitment to upholding justice and safeguarding the vulnerable is evident in this verdict, even on a day meant for celebrating the unbreakable bonds of love and protection between siblings.
Written by Shuniti Sinha of Brainware University (Semester- 7th),an intern under Legal Vidhiya
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