Madurai Bench: Life Sentence Suspended for Marriage Agreement Under POCSO Act

Summary: In a surprising twist, Kannan's life sentence is put on hold by the Madurai Bench of Madras High Court after he agrees to marry the victim.

The Case Background

On December 9, 2025, the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court, with Judges G.K. Ilanthiraiyan and R. Poornima, looked at a request from Kannan. He was given a life sentence by the Sessions Judge in Pudukkottai for breaking laws under the POCSO Act and IPC.

The Conviction Details

Kannan was found guilty on September 2, 2022, under the POCSO Act and Section 363 of the IPC. His punishments included:

• Life Sentence under the POCSO Act, with a fine of Rs. 1,00,000.
• Seven Years in Jail under IPC Section 363, with a fine of Rs. 20,000.

"The person accused is found guilty and sentenced..." — Court Order

A Surprising Proposal

During the court session, the victim and her parents showed up, expressing their wish for the victim to marry Kannan, who is a family member. Kannan also agreed to this plan.

"The victim and the accused are close family members, and now the accused is willing to marry the victim." — Court Order

Court's Conditional Decision

The court decided to pause Kannan's sentence if he marries the victim by January 5, 2026, and officially registers the marriage by January 6, 2026.

"The main jail sentence is paused on the condition that the accused shall marry the victim..." — Court Order

Next Steps

The court set a follow-up on January 6, 2026, to make sure the marriage deal is followed through.

This case shows how complicated the mix of law, family ties, and justice can be.