Man asked to serve animals for kidnapping, marrying minor girl in Delhi

In an unusual order, a Delhi court has released a convict on probation asking him to serve injured and sick animals for a year as a punishment for kidnapping and tying nuptial knot with a minor girl after concealing his married status.

"I direct that convict Rajpal be released on probation of good conduct for a period of two years on furnishing a personal and surety bond of Rs10,000 each and with a further condition that he shall render service to the sick and injured animals particularly the strays for a period of one year...," Additional Sessions Judge Kamini Lau said.

The court asked 28-year-old Rajpal, a resident of Aligarh in Uttar Pradesh, to report to the NGO-run Sanjay Gandhi Animal Care Centre at Raja Garden here to undertake the duties for three days in a week for one hour each day.

"In case of any absenteeism or default or breach of condition of probation on the part of the convict, he shall have to undergo simple imprisonment for a period of two years," it cautioned.

Earlier, Rajpal, a fruit vendor, who was already married and is a father of two minor children, was convicted under Sections 363 (kidnapping a minor) and 366 (abducting a woman to compel her to marry) of the IPC for tying nuptial knot with his 14-year-old neighbour last year.

Before being sentenced, the convict told the court that he was aware of having committed a "moral and legal wrong" and wanted to make an attempt for change his life for better and atone for the sins and crime which he had committed.

Taking note of the "remorseful" conduct, the court asked the probation officer to file a report.

The report said the convict belonged to "a very poor family" and was a fruit seller by profession.

"I have spoken to the convict in the court and I am satisfied that he genuinely regrets his shameful and hurtful act. The regrets offered by the convict of his act may be because of remorse or could even be a response to the fear of consequences of his act including the fear of being punished for such an act," the court said.

It said that the victim, who is happily married, be left alone to ensure that the shadow of her past does not affect her matrimonial life.