Mumbai: A Special Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Court in Mumbai has sentenced a 35-year-old man to three years’ rigorous imprisonment for assaulting and harassing a 14-year-old boy near the Kurla bus stand in 2018. The ruling was delivered by Special Judge PN Rao, who held that the prosecution had successfully established the charges based on credible testimony and supporting evidence.
According to the court, the accused made inappropriate physical contact with the minor and used remarks intended to intimidate and harass him. The judge noted that the accused’s behaviour demonstrated clear intent and was meant to be audible to the boy, thereby constituting sexual harassment under the POCSO Act.
Incident occurred while the minor waited for a bus
The incident took place on 3 November 2018, when the boy, then studying in Class 9, had visited his father at KEM Hospital. In the early morning hours, he reached the Kurla bus stand and was waiting for public transport to return home. It was at this time, the prosecution said, that the accused approached him near a public urinal located behind the bus stop.
Investigators stated that the man initiated unwanted physical contact and spoke words meant to violate the child’s personal boundaries. Shocked and frightened, the boy immediately fled from the location and ran to a nearby police station to report the incident.
Accused identified as local resident from Kurla West
The accused, identified as Anand Balu Jadhav, an unemployed resident of Kurla West, allegedly first touched the boy on the shoulder before moving his hand towards his chest. The remarks he made, though paraphrased in court proceedings to avoid explicit repetition, amounted to a demand for an inappropriate act.
The court noted that Jadhav followed the terrified child shortly after the confrontation. The finding was considered significant because it demonstrated persistence and further intent, prompting the police to immediately detain him when the boy sought help.
Evidence supported by family members and officials
During the trial, the prosecution examined multiple witnesses, including the child, his mother, school staff who verified his age, and police officers involved in the arrest and investigation. The Special Judge observed that the minor’s testimony was consistent, coherent and trustworthy. His statements were also corroborated by circumstantial evidence, leaving little scope for doubt or fabrication.
The defence argued that the accused had been falsely implicated due to a misunderstanding. However, the court dismissed these claims, citing the corroborated testimony and the detailed chain of events as presented by prosecution witnesses.
Sentenced under POCSO Sections 8 and 12
Jadhav was ultimately convicted under Section 8 (sexual assault) and Section 12 (sexual harassment) of the POCSO Act. While Section 8 carries a minimum punishment of three years, Section 12 deals with harassment of a minor through gestures or words intended to offend their personal dignity.
The court sentenced him to three years of rigorous imprisonment for the primary offence under Section 8 and one year for the Section 12 offence. Both sentences will run concurrently, which means the maximum duration he will serve is three years.
Fine imposed and compensation process initiated
In addition to the jail sentence, the court imposed a fine of ₹2,000, directing that the amount be paid to the minor as immediate compensation. The matter has also been forwarded to the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) to assess and recommend additional compensation under state and central victim-support schemes. The court emphasised the importance of psychological well-being and post-trauma support for child survivors of such crimes.
Conclusion
The judgment reinforces the judiciary’s emphasis on swift and firm action in offences involving minors. The court also reiterated that the testimony of a child, when consistent and credible, holds substantial evidentiary value. The case serves as a reminder of the need for vigilant public response and timely reporting to protect children from abuse in public spaces.