HC upholds 7-yr jail term to priest for raping girl in temple

INDIA
Hindustan Times

Press Trust Of India
New Delhi, April 01, 2012

The Delhi high court has upheld the seven-year jail term to a priest for raping a 16-year-old girl repeatedly in a temple here, ruing that the “dehumanising act” has been committed by a “trustworthy and respected” person of the society.

“The heinous offence was committed by a priest who is respected in the society and considered to be a trustworthy person. But disregarding morality and consequence of his act, he committed such a barbaric offence upon a young girl repeatedly.

“In my considered opinion, the prosecution has brought home the guilt of the appellant beyond reasonable doubt,” Justice M L Mehta said and dismissed the plea of the convict.

Justice Mehta upheld the lower court’s conviction and award of seven years rigorous imprisonment to Prem Dass, a priest with Lord Shiva temple in North West Delhi here who repeatedly raped the school-going girl inside the temple.

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