Sat Dec 27 19:05:36 UTC 2025: ## Summary:
The Delhi High Court affirmed a jail sentence for a man convicted of raping his minor stepdaughter. The court ruled that a guilty verdict under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act stands, even if the victim later becomes a hostile witness, especially when supported by scientific evidence. This decision emphasizes the importance of considering all evidence, including scientific findings, when determining guilt in child sexual abuse cases.
News Article:
Delhi HC Upholds Jail Term for Stepfather in POCSO Case Despite Hostile Witness
New Delhi, India – The Delhi High Court has upheld a jail sentence for a man convicted of raping his minor stepdaughter, reinforcing the seriousness with which the judiciary views cases under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
The court emphasized that a conviction under the POCSO Act cannot be overturned solely on the basis that the victim later turned hostile. This ruling came in response to an appeal challenging the original conviction.
“Even if the victim later turns hostile, the court can still find the accused guilty under the POCSO Act if there is other corroborating evidence,” the judge stated in the ruling. “Particularly, in this case, the presence of scientific evidence strengthens the prosecution’s case and cannot be dismissed.”
The High Court’s decision underscores the importance of considering all evidence, including scientific findings, when adjudicating cases of child sexual abuse. Experts believe this ruling will set a precedent for similar cases, encouraging courts to rely on factual evidence even when victims face pressure to recant their initial statements.
The ruling has been welcomed by child rights activists, who see it as a step towards ensuring justice for victims of child sexual abuse and holding perpetrators accountable, regardless of the challenges faced in the legal process. The case serves as a reminder of the complexities inherent in prosecuting these crimes and the vital role of scientific evidence in securing convictions.
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