South Goa Additional Sessions Judge Sherin Paul today adjourned to tomorrow 8th September at 4pm the sentencing of the convicted Goan model Siddesh Dashrath Juvekar who has been held guilty under Sections 376 and 42 of Indian Penal Code for raping and cheating an orphan girl from Navelim.
The Court today heard arguments on the point of sentence. On behalf of the victim girl it was sought that the maximum sentence be imposed as rape was a very serious crime against one’s mind, psyche and reputation leaving a permanent scar on the life of the victim. The Court was also urged to impose an appropriate penalty by way of fine to the tune of over ten lakhs so that the victim recovers the amount along with interest which she was cheated for by the convict Siddesh Juvekar. The Prosecution also sought maximum sentence while it was argued on behalf of the Accused that the Court show leniency as the accused has to participate at come national and international modeling events to which Judge Sherin Paul observed that the convict if he was a public figure should have not indulged in such shameful acts. An offence under Section 376 is punishable with rigorous imprisonment which shall not be less than seven years but which may extend to imprisonment for life and shall also be liable to fine, while for an offence under Section 420 the maximum punishment which can be awarded is imprisonment for a term of 7 year and fine. Siddesh Juvekar who has been pursuing modeling as a career had represented Goa and was the first runner up at the ‘Mr. India Man Hunt’ contest held last year in Delhi by Sky Walk Entertainment. He is a close relative of Senior BJP leader Pradeep Shet. Siddesh Juvekar on 13th November 2013 was charge sheeted by the Colva Police on charges of rape and cheating. Siddesh Juvekar was accused of having repeated forcible sexual intercourse with the victim girl under the false promise of marrying her. He was further charged of cheating the victim to the tune of over Rs five lakhs by taking money from her on the false pretext of starting a business. Siddesh Juvekar was however on 4th July 2014 discharged by the then South Goa Additional Sessions without going through the trial. The victim girl through a Criminal Writ Petition moved the High Court challenging the order discharging the accused Siddesh Juvekar. Allowing the victim’s petition Justice S.B. Shukre of the Bombay High Court at Goa on 26th February this year while quashing and setting aside the South Goa Additional District Judge’s order directed the accused Siddesh Juvekar to appear before the Margao Sessions Court and to face trial for the alleged offences. The Court also further directed that the trial be completed within six months. Justice Shukre in his order observed that the South Goa Additional Sessions Judge had committed illegality by discharging the accused in disregard of the well settled principles of law and that such an order cannot stand the scrutiny of law. Aires Rodrigues Advocate High Court C/G-2, Shopping Complex Ribandar Retreat, Ribandar – Goa – 403006 Mobile No: 9822684372 Office Tel No: (0832) 2444012 Email: airesrodrigu...@gmail.com Or airesrodrig...@yahoo.com You can also reach me on Facebook.com/ AiresRodrigues Twitter@rodrigues_aires www.airesrodrigues.com