1. Since both the CRLAs arise out of the same factual background and
involve the same issue, those were heard together and are being
disposed of by this common judgment.
2. In both the above-mentioned Criminal Appeals, the Appellants seek a
direction from this Court to set aside the judgment of conviction and
sentence passed by the learned Special Judge, Bolangir, challenging
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the POCSO conviction, the finding of minority, and the reliance
placed on the prosecutrix’s testimony.
I. FACTUAL MATRIX OF THE CASE:
3. The brief facts of the case are as follows:
(i) On the night of 03.04.2016, when the parents of the victim were
