The court has a duty to protect women from sexual violations of any kind, says High Court judge Justice Sunil Sharma.

Justice Sharma made the remarks while sentencing two men convicted for one count of rape each.

The accused, aged 28 and 20 years, on April 3, 2015, in the Western Division had raped the complainant at a drink­ing party.

Both men have been sentenced to eight years and 10 months imprisonment with a non-parole period of eight years.

Justice Sharma highlighted that the protection of women from sexual viola­tions of any kind was the court’s focus, which was why the law makers had im­posed life imprisonment for the offence of rape as the maximum penalty.

“The two men have committed a seri­ous crime against a victim who trusted you. The victim was known to both of you,” Justice Sharma said.

“I am sure it will be difficult for the vic­tim to forget what both of you had done to her. Your actions towards the victims were deplorable and selfish.

“This court would be failing in its duty if a long term deterrent custodial sen­tence was not imposed. The victim was alone and vulnerable and you took ad­vantage of this.”

The accused have 30 days to appeal.

Edited by Naisa Koroi