Accused Sentenced to Life Imprisonment for Gruesome Crime Against Minor, Emphasizes Reliability of Victim's Testimony
In a significant judgment, the Allahabad High Court upheld the conviction and life imprisonment sentence of Kiranpal Alias Kiran for the sexual assault of a minor, affirming the reliability and sufficiency of the victim's testimony in such cases. The Division Bench, comprising Mr. Siddhartha Varma and Mr. Jai Krishna Upadhyay, delivered the verdict on June 3, 2026, dismissing the criminal appeal filed against the judgment of the Special Judge (POCSO Act), Muzaffarnagar.
The case, originating from an incident on the night of July 8, 2014, involved the abduction and sexual assault of a 10-year-old girl in Muzaffarnagar. The victim's sole testimony was pivotal in the trial, wherein she identified the accused and narrated the crime in detail. Medical evidence corroborated her account, revealing internal injuries consistent with sexual assault.
The judgment emphasized the credibility and reliability of the prosecutrix's testimony, stating that it alone suffices for conviction in sexual assault cases unless there are compelling reasons to doubt it. The court noted that the victim's testimony was consistent and credible, supported by medical findings, establishing her as a "sterling witness."
The court reaffirmed the stringent sentencing under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 (POCSO Act), underscoring the severity of the crime's impact on the victim's life. The Bench highlighted the necessity for harsh punishments for such heinous crimes against minors to deter future offenses.
Despite the defense's arguments about alleged inconsistencies in the victim's statement and claims of fabrication due to enmity, the court found no merit in these assertions. The prosecution's case was deemed proven beyond reasonable doubt, with the victim's testimony supported by her father and medical experts.
The judgment reinforces the legal principle that the testimony of a victim, if found credible, does not require corroboration for conviction in sexual offenses. It aligns with previous Supreme Court rulings that uphold the sufficiency of the prosecutrix's evidence, provided it is reliable and inspires confidence.
The High Court's decision marks a critical stance in safeguarding minor victims and ensuring justice against sexual predators, reflecting the judiciary's commitment to addressing sexual violence with the gravity it warrants.
Bottom line:-
Sole testimony of a prosecutrix, if found credible and reliable, is sufficient to convict the accused in sexual assault cases, and corroboration is not mandatory unless there are compelling reasons to doubt her statement.
Statutory Provision(s): Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 Sections 5, 6; Indian Penal Code, 1860 Sections 376, 323
Kiranpal Alias Kiran v. State of U.P., (Allahabad)(DB) : Law Finder Doc id # 2913819
