Judge Quotes Maya Angelou While Sentencing Life Imprisonment To Priest For Raping Minors

Judge Quotes Maya Angelou: A Delhi court sentenced a 76-year-old priest to life imprisonment as he was found guilty of raping two minors in Delhi. The court held that the convict committed the crime against children inside the temple premises.

Additional Sessions Judge Vijeta Singh Rawat gave the verdict and quoted American poet and activity Maya Angelou from her famous book I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings.

Judge Quotes Maya Angelou:

According to a report by Bar and Bench, the judge said, "Then there was the pain. A breaking and entering when even the senses are torn apart. The act of rape on an eight-year-old body is a matter of the needle giving because the camel can’t. The child gives, because the body can, and the mind of the violator cannot."

Judge Rawat observed that the quote captures the disheartening incident when an innocent child was sexually violated by an adult. During the sentencing, the court also noted that the convict showed no remorse for committing the crime.

The judgement stated, " In the facts and circumstances of this case, if leniency is shown, this Court would be letting down the children who have fought all odds to pursue the matter. These victims have been scarred for future.” The court added that it would fail its duty if the "predators" such as the convict are set free endangering other children.

Highlighting the barbaric nature of the crime against the child survivors, the court stated that the priest showed no care or "respect and faith attached to her office". The court noted the priest desecrated the temple where the children should have had a carefree and safe time.

The priest was held guilty under rape section 376 (2), and criminal intimidation under 506 of the Indian Penal Code. In addition to that, he was also found guilty under section 5 (1) )which deals with penetrative sexual assault) of the Protection of Children Against Sexual Offences Act (POCSO).

The state had asked for maximum punishment against the convict highlighting that the man was a priest committing sexual assault inside the sacred premises of the temple. The convict's counsel asked for leniency by telling the court that the convict was 76-year-old and has no other criminal record in his name.

The Delhi Court refused the convict's plea and sentenced him for life in addition to a fine of ₹60,000.

The court also granted ₹ 7.5 lakh as compensation to each of the child survivors for their mental and emotional health.

Also read:Kerala HC: Non-Penetrative Sexual Acts Without Consent Also Rape