Life Sentence Without Parole for 81-Year-Old Convicted in Child Assault Case
An 81-year-old man from Tirunelveli received a life sentence until death following the sexual assault of a young child. The ruling includes a state-mandated compensation package for the victim's family.
Judicial Verdict and Sentencing Details
In a significant ruling, the Special Court for POCSO Cases has sentenced an 81-year-old man to remain in prison for the duration of his natural life. Judicial Magistrate Suresh Kumar delivered the verdict on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, targeting Ganapathi of Tirunelveli for the sexual assault of a four-year-old girl. Along with the life term, the court ordered the octogenarian to pay a fine of ₹10,000.
Case Background and Legal Proceedings
The criminal incident occurred on March 16 of the previous year. Following a formal complaint filed by the victim's mother, the All Women Police in Cheranmahadevi initiated an investigation that led to Ganapathi's arrest. The prosecution successfully argued that the defendant violated the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. The legal outcome involves specific directives for victim support:
- The convict must serve a sentence of imprisonment until death.
- The State Government must facilitate a compensation payment of ₹3 lakh to the victim.
- Strict enforcement of the financial penalty imposed on the perpetrator.
Source: The Hindu — Home
