Section 10 POCSO Act
What punishment does the law prescribe for aggravated sexual assault against a child?
Short answer
The law mandates imprisonment of at least five years, up to seven years, plus a fine.
In detail
Aggravated sexual assault is treated as a very serious offence under the child protection law. If a person is found guilty of this crime, the court must order a prison term that cannot be shorter than five years and can be as long as seven years. In addition to the jail time, the offender must also pay a monetary penalty. The exact length of the sentence within that five‑to‑seven‑year range and the amount of the fine are decided by the judge based on the specifics of the case. This punishment reflects the law's aim to protect children by imposing strong consequences on those who commit the most severe forms of sexual abuse. Anyone accused of such an offence should understand that the legal system provides for a substantial custodial term and a financial penalty as part of the sentencing.
Related questions
What actions count as penetrative sexual assault under the POCSO Act?
Any act where an adult causes penetration of a child's genital, anal or oral area with a penis, object, body part, or forces the child to do so.
What punishment does the law prescribe for penetrative sexual assault on a child?
The offender can be jailed for at least seven years, up to life, and must also pay a fine.
What punishment does a person face for committing sexual assault on a child?
They can be sentenced to three to five years in prison and may also have to pay a fine.
What punishment does the law impose for aggravated penetrative sexual assault on a child?
The offender is sentenced to rigorous imprisonment of at least ten years, which may go up to life, and also must pay a fine.
Not legal advice. This is general legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and every case turns on its own facts — speak to a lawyer about your situation.