In Brief
The Supreme Court remanded a case where the High Court rejected an appeal against conviction for sexual offences under POCSO and other sections. The appellant, sentenced to four years imprisonment, sought suspension of his sentence pending appeal. The High Court declined, citing the serious nature of the offence, without properly applying legal principles. The Supreme Court held that suspension of fixed-term sentences should be granted liberally unless exceptional circumstances exist. Prior bail without misuse is irrelevant post-conviction. Where appeals face delays, courts must suspend sentences to prevent appeals from becoming futile. The matter was remanded for fresh consideration within 15 days.
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