The Mahila Court in Chennai on June 2, 2025, sentenced Gnanasekar, the lone accused in the high-profile Anna University sexual assault case, to life imprisonment for a minimum period of 30 years without remission. The court pronounced the sentence after holding him guilty under 11 different legal provisions, including Section 64(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which deals with rape.

Conviction and Sentence Details

Gnanasekar, 37, was convicted last week on charges covering a wide range of offences. The most serious charge under Section 64(1) BNS resulted in a sentence of life imprisonment with no remission allowed for 30 years. The court also imposed a fine of ₹25,000 for this charge, with a default clause mandating three months simple imprisonment if the fine remains unpaid.

Besides the main charge, Gnanasekar was sentenced for offences under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Information Technology Act, and the Tamil Nadu Prohibition of Harassment of Woman Act. These additional sentences range from one month to 10 years and will run concurrently. The total fine imposed across all charges amounts to ₹90,000.

Security and Court Proceedings

The accused was brought from Central Prison, Puzhal, to the court under tight security. The sentence was delivered by Mahila Court Judge M. Rajalakshmi, who emphasised the gravity of the crimes and the need for strict punishment.

Compensation to Survivor

Significantly, the court ordered the State government to pay compensation to the survivor, acknowledging the trauma endured and reinforcing the commitment to support victims of sexual assault. The compensation aims to aid in the survivor’s recovery and rehabilitation.

Wider Implications

This verdict stands as a firm message on the strict enforcement of sexual assault laws and the seriousness with which Indian courts treat such crimes. The case highlights the effective application of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita alongside other relevant laws to ensure comprehensive justice.

The sentence without remission sends a strong deterrent signal to potential offenders, emphasising zero tolerance towards sexual violence, especially in academic institutions.

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