In a decision that has sent shock waves all around, the Allahabad High Court has lowered the penalty imposed by the Special Sessions Court on one Sonu Kushwaha, a convict, found guilty of having oral sex with a 10-year-old child in lieu of Rs 20.

The single-judge bench of Justice Anil Kumar Ojha reduced Sonu Kushwaha's punishment from 10 years to 7 years, observing that the crime committed by him is 'less serious'.