for the offence punishable under Section 376(2)(g) of the IPC. Regarding the sentence, the High Court held that there were adequate and special reasons for imposing a sentence of imprisonment for a term of less than ten years. The said power was exercised by the High Court in terms of the proviso to sub-section (2) of Section 376 of the IPC as it existed on the statute book before Section 376 was substituted by Act No.13 of 2013. 3. Criminal Appeal No.2567 of 2024 has been preferred by the State of Himachal Pradesh being aggrieved by that part of the impugned judgment, by which the accused were let off on the sentence of imprisonment for three years which is less than the minimum sentence of ten years as provided under Section 376(2), which was applicable on the date on which the alleged act of offence was committed. Criminal Criminal Appeal no.2567 of 2024 etc. Page 2 of 15Appeal No.2568 of 2024 has been preferred by accused Vijay for challenging his conviction. SUBMISSIONS 4. The