Reform over Retribution: Bombay HC reduces rapist's life term to 12 years, cites Gandhian turnaround

Mumbai (The Uttam Hindu): In a significant ruling, the Bombay High Court has reduced the life sentence of a man convicted of raping a minor girl to 12 years. The court showed leniency considering the convict's young age, the length of time he had spent in prison, and the marked improvement in his conduct. Notably, while in prison, the convict participated in essay competitions and study programs based on the ideas of Mahatma Gandhi, which the court considered a positive sign of his reform.

The decision of the POCSO court was challenged

In its order dated February 2, a division bench of Justice Sarang Kotwal and Justice Sandesh Patil upheld the convict's sentence for the crime committed in 2016, but reduced its term. The convict had challenged the life sentence awarded by the special POCSO court in the High Court. Hearing the case, the court noted that the convict was only 20 years old at the time of the crime and had no prior criminal record. He has been in continuous custody since December 2016 and has not been granted parole or release, even during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Studied Gandhian thoughts in jail

During the hearing, the bench examined the convict's academic and other activities while in prison. This included certificates of participation in an examination and essay competition based on the thoughts and literature of Mahatma Gandhi. The court acknowledged that the convict was on the path to reform. Balancing the gravity of the crime and these reformative aspects, the bench remarked that a sentence of 12 years would be sufficient to meet the ends of justice. The court also clarified that the time already served by the convict in prison would be adjusted towards this 12-year sentence.