In a significant ruling, a court in Kohima has sentenced a 28-year-old woman to seven years of rigorous imprisonment in connection with the death of her newborn child.
According to a press release from the Office of the Public Prosecutor, the Court of the Principal District and Sessions Judge, presided over by Mezivolu T. Therieh, convicted Rosni Basnet under Section 304 Part II of the Indian Penal Code on March 23, 2026.
The case dates back to May 22, 2022, when the accused gave birth in the bathroom of Oking Hospital and allegedly threw the newborn from a second-floor window. The infant was later discovered in a drainage system and died despite medical efforts to save the child.
During the trial, the prosecution examined 11 witnesses, with the state represented by Special Public Prosecutor Sashimongla Jamir. The investigation was led by ASI Venus Kikon.
On March 25, 2026, the court sentenced the accused to seven years of rigorous imprisonment along with a fine of ₹5,000. In case of non-payment, she will have to serve an additional six months of simple imprisonment.
While delivering the verdict, the court observed that the act led to the death of a completely helpless newborn and showed a disregard for life. It noted that although the accused was a first-time offender and appeared to have acted under distress, the seriousness of the offence justified the conviction.
The prosecution, represented by Additional Public Prosecutor Abraham, acknowledged the collective efforts of the investigating team, prosecution, and medical authorities in securing the conviction, reiterating their commitment to ensuring justice in cases involving vulnerable victims.
