Sachin, convicted under Sections 3(a) and 4 of the POCSO Act and Section 376 IPC for sexually assaulting a 4-year-old, was sentenced by the Special Court to 7 years’ rigorous imprisonment—the then-minimum under POCSO. He appealed to the Bombay High Court seeking acquittal or a reduced sentence. However, the High Court invoked Sections 5(m) and 6 of POCSO and Section 376(2)(i) IPC to enhance the charge, remanding the case to the Special Court, which imposed life imprisonment. By the time the matter reached the Supreme Court, Sachin had already served over 11 years. The apex court ruled that under Section 386(b)(iii) CrPC, an appellate court cannot enhance a sentence in the convict’s own appeal. It also held that revisional powers under Section 401 CrPC cannot be invoked unless sought by the State or complainant. Citing violation of natural justice and the “no reformatio in peius” principle, the Court restored the 7-year sentence and ordered his immediate release under Article 142.