The judgment was delivered on Tuesday by Special Court Magistrate Murugan, who also ordered the Tamil Nadu government to pay ₹3 lakh in compensation to the victim.
According to the prosecution, Muthaiah, a resident of Seythunganallur in the district, abused the minor girl in 2021. He was later apprehended by the Srivaikundam All Women Police under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
In addition to the custodial sentence, the court levied a monetary penalty of ₹1.02 lakh on Muthaiah, underscoring the seriousness with which the judiciary is treating offences against children.
The case highlights the continued enforcement of the POCSO Act, which aims to provide swift and stringent punishment for sexual offences against minors, and serves as a reminder to authorities and the public of the legal repercussions for such crimes.