Supreme Court Upholds Conviction in Disturbing Child Trafficking Case

Apex Court affirms reliance on minor victim's testimony in sex trafficking prosecution

In a landmark judgment pronounced on December 19, 2025, the Supreme Court of India upheld the conviction of K.P. Kirankumar and his wife under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956 (ITPA) for their involvement in the heinous crime of child trafficking and sexual exploitation. The judgment, delivered by Justices Manoj Misra and Joymalya Bagchi, reinforces the importance of the victim's testimony, especially when the victim is a minor, in the prosecution of such cases.

The case, originating from Peenya, Bangalore, involved the rescue of a minor victim from a rented house where she was allegedly forced into prostitution. The Supreme Court's decision confirms the findings of the lower courts, which heavily relied on the testimony of the minor victim, corroborated by other witnesses and evidence. The victim's account revealed her abduction and forced sexual exploitation, facilitated by the accused at various locations, including the rented premises in Dasarahalli.

The trial court had previously convicted the accused under sections 366A, 373, and 34 of the IPC, read with sections 3, 4, 5, and 6 of the ITPA. The High Court subsequently dismissed an appeal against the trial court’s judgment, maintaining that the prosecution had p

K.P. Kirankumar @ Kiran v. State by Peenya Police, (SC) : Law Finder Doc Id # 2824207