Putshithan v. The Inspector Of Police

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED 02.03.2026

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE Mr.JUSTICE G.ARUL MURUGAN Criminal Appeal No.1324 of 2022 Putshithan .. Appellant Vs.

The State rep. By The Inspector of Police, Emerald Police Station, Emerald, Udhagamandalam, Nilgiris District.

.. Respondent Criminal Appeal filed under Section 374 (2) of Cr.P.C., to set aside the conviction and sentence passed by the Trial Court in Special C.C.No.12 of 2021 dated 15.09.2022, on the file of the Sessions Judge/Magalir Neethimandram (FTMC), Udhagamandalam, Nilgiris. For Appellant : Mr.R.Ganesh For Respondent : Mr.J.Subbiah, Government Advocate 1/4

J U D G M E N T

The Appeal is filed challenging the judgment dated 15.09.2022 in Special Calender Case No.12 of 2021 on the file of the Sessions Judge/Magalir Neethimandram (FTMC), Udhagamandalam at Nilgiris.

2. The appellant was convicted for an offence under Section 3(1) read with 4(2) of POCSO Act and sentenced to undergo 20 years rigorous imprisonment and to pay a fine of Rs.10,000/-, in default to undergo six months simple imprisonment. Assailing the said conviction and sentence, the sole appellant/ accused has preferred the above Appeal. The sentence imposed on the appellant was suspended by this Court on 03.01.2023 and the appellant was enlarged on bail.

3. When the Appeal is taken up for hearing, it is submitted by the learned counsel for the appellant that the sole appellant had died on 18.10.2023 and the Death Certificate, dated 14.03.2024 issued, is also produced before this Court.

4. The Public Prosecutor, on confirmation from Mr.H.Saravanam, Head Constable (HC.950), Emerald Police Station, Udhagamandalam 2/4

present in Court, also confirmed the position.

5. In view of the fact that the sole appellant had died on 18.10.2023, the Appeal abates under Section 394 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. 6.Accordingly, the Criminal Appeal stands dismissed as abated. 02.03.2026 jv To 1.The Sessions Judge/Magalir Neethimandram (FTMC)., Udhagamandalam, Nilgiris.

2.The Public Prosecutor, High Court, Madras.

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G.ARUL MURUGAN , J.

jv 02.03.2026 4/4