Archive · 30 Jul 2026
Kerala Court Upholds 20-Year POCSO Sentence for Tea Vendor
A 61-year-old tea vendor in Kerala was found guilty of sexually assaulting a 9-year-old boy for more than three years.
The boy was lured by tea and taken to the vendor’s house where the assault happened.
The court said the boy had no injuries, but that didn’t mean the crime didn’t happen.
The judge kept the 20-year prison sentence and a fine.
The defense said the evidence was weak, but the prosecution said the boy’s story was true.
Kerala High Court upheld a 20‑year imprisonment for a 61‑year‑old tea vendor.
The vendor sexually assaulted a 9‑year‑old boy over three years by offering tea.
The court found no physical injury but ruled it did not negate the conviction.
Defense argued the evidence was insufficient and the boy’s testimony unreliable.
Prosecution maintained the testimony was credible and the evidence sufficient.
- Who
- 61-year-old tea vendor, 9-year-old boy, Kerala High Court
- What
- Upheld 20-year imprisonment under the POCSO Act
- When
- July 20, 2023
- Where
- Kerala, India
- Why
- Evidence of repeated sexual assault and lack of injury not enough to dismiss conviction
- Conviction
- 20-year rigorous imprisonment
- Fine
- Rs 25,000
- Accused Age
- 61
- Victim Age
- 9
- Court
- Kerala High Court
- Decision Date
- July 20, 2023
- Act
- Protection of Children From Sexual Offences Act
- Offences
- Sexual assault, IPC unnatural offence