The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has asked prison authorities to check whether a Christian priest, sentenced to death in a POCSO case, has appointed a lawyer to file an appeal.
The convict, Abraham (47) from Melailanthakulam in Tirunelveli district, was found guilty by the Tirunelveli POCSO Special Court of sexually assaulting four minor girls, including three sisters from the same family, in 2022. The case was registered by the Devarakulam police under the POCSO Act.
On August 19, the trial court held that the prosecution had proved the charges and awarded the death penalty. It also directed the Tamil Nadu government to pay compensation of Rs 10 lakh each to the four victims.
As required when a lower court awards a death sentence, the records were forwarded to the High Court for confirmation. A bench of Justices M. Nirmal Kumar and N. Gunasekaran heard the matter, with Abraham produced through video link from the Tirunelveli Central Prison.
The judges asked whether he intended to appeal and whether he had engaged counsel or needed legal aid. Abraham told the court that someone took his signature on a vakalat claiming to appear for him, and also made allegations about how he was detained. The bench directed prison officials to verify jail records and report on October 16 regarding the appointment of a lawyer.
