CHENNAI | 2ND JUNE 2025
In a major development in the Anna University sexual assault case, a sessions court in Chennai has sentenced Gnanasekaran, the accused, to life imprisonment and imposed a fine of ₹90,000.
Delivering the verdict, Mahila Court Judge M Rajalakshmi directed that Gnanasekaran must undergo a minimum of 30 years in prison before being eligible for remission or premature release, according to a report by Livemint.
“The accused shall undergo life imprisonment and shall not be entitled to remission before the completion of 30 years,” the Court ruled. A sessions court in Chennai has sentenced Gnanasekaran, the accused in the sexual assault of an Anna University student, to life imprisonment and imposed a fine of ₹90,000,
LIFE IMPRISONMENT: BACKGROUND OF THE CASE
The incident occurred on December 23, 2023, when Gnanasekaran was arrested by the Chennai Police for sexually assaulting a student on the Anna University campus.
Following public outrage and scrutiny of the police’s handling of the case, the Madras High Court ordered the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the matter thoroughly.
Formation of SIT After Investigation Lapses
In December 2023, the Madras High Court constituted the SIT, comprising three senior woman IPS officers:
Dr. Bhukya Sneha Priya
Ayman Jamal
S. Brinda
The High Court’s decision came after it observed multiple lapses in the initial investigation, including the leak of the FIR, which led to the unauthorized disclosure of the victim’s identity.
“The leakage of the FIR constitutes a grave violation of the victim’s right to privacy and confidentiality,” the Court had noted.
₹25 Lakh Compensation for Victim
In a landmark move, the High Court also directed the State Government to pay an interim compensation of ₹25 lakh to the survivor for the serious procedural lapses committed by the police.
Supreme Court’s Intervention
However, in January 2025, the Supreme Court of India stayed a part of the Madras High Court’s direction which had ordered the Tamil Nadu government to initiate a departmental inquiry into the FIR leak.
“Until further orders, the operation of the High Court’s direction to hold departmental enquiry is stayed,” the apex court ruled.
Summary of Punishment
Accused: Gnanasekaran
Crime: Sexual assault of Anna University student
Court: Sessions Court, Chennai (Mahila Court)
Verdict: Life imprisonment + ₹90,000 fine
Remission: Only after 30 years of imprisonment
Compensation: ₹25 lakh interim compensation to survivor (Madras High Court directive)
SIT: Formed by Madras HC; included 3 senior woman IPS officers
