• Sign In/Sign Up
  • Menu
  • +Clients Back

    • Get Free Legal Answers
    • Get Fee Estimates
    • Find Lawyers
  • +Lawyers

    • Case Diary & Office Manager
    • Post News & Artilces
    • Post Jobs & Internships
  • +Law Students

    • Campus Ambassadors
    • Find Jobs & Internships
    • Post News & Articles
    • Resource Sharing
  • +Law Schools

    • Post Admissions
    • Post Opportunities
    • Get Law School Rating

  • Home
  • News/Articles
  • An Inconsistency In The Statement By Minor In Sexual Assault Does Not Let The Accused Escape From Punishment: Kerala HC

Latest News

Back

An Inconsistency In The Statement By Minor In Sexual Assault Does Not Let The Accused Escape From Punishment: Kerala HC

Courtesy/By: Shaily Garg  |  10 Sep 2020     Views:720

An appeal was filed by the sole accused in the case Shiju v. State of Kerala, challenging his conviction and sentence. The accused named ‘Shiju’ was a cousin brother of the victim, a minor girl aged 15 years. He sexually assaulted her on 2nd November, 2016 at about 8 am and the offences alleged against the accused were the offences punishable under Sections 376(2)(f) and 376(2)(i) of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 (IPC) and Section 5(n) read with Section 6 and Section 9(n) read with Section 10 of the Prevention of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2020 ( the POSCO Act).

The guilt of the accused was proved by the prosecution after examining 17 witnesses and proved through them 15 documents. The 17 witnesses comprise of the victim girl herself, the doctor who examined the witness girl after the occurrence on the same day, one of the teachers in the school where the victim girl was pursuing her studies, the headmistress of the school, the mother of the victim girl, her relatives especially her aunt, the village officer who prepared the site plan, the Childline Member who reported the incident to the police, the investigating officer, etc. Among the documents proved, the statement given by the victim girl was recorded under Section 164 of the Code of Criminal Procedure,1973 and the report of the medical examination along with the report of the forensic science laboratory concerning the dress allegedly worn by the accused and the victim girl at the time of occurrence of offence was attested under the Section 154 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973.

On the examination of the materials on record, the accused was convicted for the above offences and sentenced to undergo rigorous imprisonment for ten years and to pay a fine of ?10,000/- and in default of payment of fine, to undergo rigorous imprisonment for six months each for the offences punishable under Sections 376(2)(f) for “committing rape on a woman when she is under twelve years of age” and 376(2)(i) for “committing rape on a woman incapable of giving consent” of the IPC. However, the separate sentence was not awarded for the offences punishable under the POCSO Act.

It was submitted by the counsel on behalf of the appellant-accused that as regards to the elemental aspect of the crime, i.e., the sexual assault, the only evidence available in the case is the evidence girl who was not consistent with her two previous statements given by her. Though the inconsistencies by the minor girl are not trivial in nature, significant, and therefore, the victim girl cannot be considered as a sterling witness to rest the conviction of the accused solely based on her evidence. The learned counsel further submitted that the report submitted by the medical doctor after examining the victim girl does not support the case of the prosecution that the accused has committed the vaginal penetration. It was also pointed out that the report of the forensic science laboratory regarding seized undergarments of the accused was not given any reliance by the court.

On the contrary, the Public Prosecutor supported the decision of the court and pointed out that the inconsistencies in the statements of the victim girl are trivial in nature and the same is not sufficient to ignore the evidence tendered by the victim girl. It was further submitted that the evidence procured by the doctor in her report is supporting the evidence procured by the victim girl.

 

Observations of the Court:

It was observed by the Court that the victim was the cousin of the accused and she was residing in her family house where the mother of the accused was also residing and she was studying in the high school classes. When she was about to leave her house for school, the accused came to the room of the victim girl through the back door of the house and sexually assaulted her by penile-oral penetration. Being traumatized, she could not control her emotions in front of her friends and teachers in school, where the matter was informed to the police.

The doctor who examined the minor girl deposed in her reports that “Swelling and congestion of the mucosa at the introitus, the clitoris and the labia minora are caused by genital stimulation, but they may also be caused by digital stimulation or masturbation”.

Pointing to the contention made by the counsel on behalf of the appellant-accused that the victim was inconsistent in her statements and was repeatedly changing it while questioning, the Court pointed out that “One should consider the condition of the mind of a girl aged 15 years, who was subjected to an unexpected sexual assault and the deeply distressing and disturbing experience to which she was undergoing on account of the said assault”. Additionally, in case of falsely implicating the accused, the court observed that the evidence is, in essence, one and the same, hence the contentions of the appellant was outrightly rejected.

It is true that the doctor had not given any final opinion on the basis of injuries noted by her in the examination of the victim girl. However, it was stated by the doctor that there was hymen congestion and also redness in the hymen and this is sufficient for the Court to hold that the medical evidence, in this case, supports the statement given by the victim. An attempt at penetration is sufficient to make out a case of rape in terms of Section 375 amended as per Act 13 of 2013 of the IPC and in terms of the POCSO Act. Similarly, the reason that there was no rupture of hymen, it cannot be said that there was no rape.

 

Judgment:

From the above observations, the Court held that “even while the evidence of the victim in a rape case commands great respect and acceptability, if there are circumstances which cast some doubt in the mind of the court as to the veracity of the same, the court shall not rely on the same without corroboration”. Hence, it was held that the prosecution has established the guilt of the accused beyond reasonable doubt, and therefore, the appeal is devoid of the merit and the same is accordingly dismissed.


Document:


Courtesy/By: Shaily Garg  |  10 Sep 2020     Views:720

News Updates

The Legal Framework of Bail Conditions in India: B...
25 Oct 2024     Views:5986
Changing an Arbitrator Mid-Proceeding: Legal Frame...
23 Oct 2024     Views:5408
IMF Retains India's FY25 GDP Growth Forecast at 7%...
22 Oct 2024     Views:5388
The Evolving Landscape of Russian Anti-Suit Injunc...
22 Oct 2024     Views:5181
Hyundai’s IPO vs Competitors: How the Auto Giant...
15 Oct 2024     Views:5203
The Validity of Arbitration Agreements Post Decree...
14 Oct 2024     Views:4850
SEBI Issues Checklist for AIFs, Their Managers, an...
08 Oct 2024     Views:5238
The Siemens v. Russian Railroads Case...
07 Oct 2024     Views:5228
Empowering Minds in Confinement: Bombay HC’s Lan...
03 Oct 2024     Views:5346
The Dynamics of Novation in Contract Law and Its I...
02 Oct 2024     Views:5530
SEBI Establishes Consistent Evaluation Standards f...
01 Oct 2024     Views:5237
Landmark Decision by Austrian Supreme Court on Arb...
30 Sep 2024     Views:5212
Key Considerations for Indian Commercial Claims...
25 Sep 2024     Views:5163
Boom or Bust: Africa’s Oil Giants Face Declining...
23 Sep 2024     Views:5282
The Growing Role of Arbitration in Intellectual Pr...
23 Sep 2024     Views:5240
Supreme Court Greenlights Sub-Classification of SC...
20 Sep 2024     Views:5565
SEBI's Employee Grievances Prompt Formation of Wor...
19 Sep 2024     Views:5392
Environmental Law in India: Challenges and Opportu...
18 Sep 2024     Views:6228
Navigating the New Legal Landscape of Exclusive Ju...
16 Sep 2024     Views:5355
The Anatomy of Joint Venture Breakups in India (an...
31 Jul 2024     Views:5699
The Integration of ESG in India's M&A Landscape...
31 Jul 2024     Views:5601
Future of AI in Legal Systems and Conflict Resolut...
21 Jul 2024     Views:5791
World Health Assembly Revises International Health...
21 Jul 2024     Views:5642
Pokemon GO Fans Concerned Over Restrictive New Ter...
21 Jul 2024     Views:5757
Landmark Judgment on Setting Aside Arbitration Awa...
21 Jul 2024     Views:5544
Understanding the Process of Issuing Summons in In...
11 Jul 2023     Views:8928
Understanding the Unlawful Activities (Prevention)...
10 Jul 2023     Views:7474
Understanding the Mental Health Act in India: A St...
09 Jul 2023     Views:7515
Combating Manual Scavenging in India: A Call for S...
07 Jul 2023     Views:7312
Impleadment in Supreme Court of India: A Comprehen...
05 Jul 2023     Views:8267
Unraveling the Distinction: Culpable Homicide vs. ...
03 Jul 2023     Views:7612
Understanding the Difference between Money Bills a...
02 Jul 2023     Views:6153
Understanding the Civil Procedure Code in India: A...
01 Jul 2023     Views:6928
The Rights of Criminals in India: Upholding Justic...
30 Jun 2023     Views:6190
Exploring the Differences between the US and India...
29 Jun 2023     Views:6197
What to Do If the Police Refuse to Register Your F...
26 Jun 2023     Views:6443
Timeline of Environmental Protocols: A Global Effo...
25 Jun 2023     Views:6145
How to Deal with Cheque Bounce Cases in India...
24 Jun 2023     Views:6125
Pursuing a Lucrative Litigation Career in Indian L...
22 Jun 2023     Views:6173
Understanding the Emergency Provisions of India: S...
21 Jun 2023     Views:6139
Environment Legislation in India: A Comprehensive ...
20 Jun 2023     Views:6495
Understanding the Emergency Powers of the Constitu...
18 Jun 2023     Views:5996
Understanding the Emergency Powers of the Constitu...
17 Jun 2023     Views:6024
Timeline of Same-Sex Laws in India: A Journey Towa...
16 Jun 2023     Views:6469
Sir Creek Dispute and Legal Implications...
15 Jun 2023     Views:6666
Jurisprudence of NDPS Laws in India: A Comprehensi...
14 Jun 2023     Views:6243
Impleadment Proceedings: A Comprehensive Guide to ...
13 Jun 2023     Views:6679
Understanding Continuing Mandamus: A Powerful Judi...
12 Jun 2023     Views:8652
Res Judicata: The Doctrine of Finality in Legal Pr...
10 Jun 2023     Views:6677
Mastering the Art of Legal Drafting: A Comprehensi...
08 Jun 2023     Views:6340
Order 1 Rule 10 of the Code of Civil Procedure (CP...
07 Jun 2023     Views:11983
Understanding the Laws of War: Protecting Humanity...
03 Jun 2023     Views:6059
Understanding the Code of Criminal Procedure (CRPC...
02 Jun 2023     Views:6911
The National Drug and Psychotropic Substances (NDP...
01 Jun 2023     Views:6489
A Step-by-Step Guide: How to File an FIR in India...
31 May 2023     Views:6191
Zero FIR: An Effective Tool for Prompt Criminal Ju...
30 May 2023     Views:6423
Unveiling the Dissent of Judges in Judicial Judgme...
28 May 2023     Views:6064
Environmental Laws in India: Safeguarding Nature f...
25 May 2023     Views:6513
The Recusal of Supreme Court of India Judges from ...
24 May 2023     Views:6186
Understanding the Jurisdiction of the Supreme Cour...
23 May 2023     Views:6632
Article 142 of the Constitution of India: A Compre...
22 May 2023     Views:6845
Landmark Judgments in Arbitration Law in India: A...
21 May 2023     Views:7072
Landmark Cases on Anticipatory Bail in India: A Pa...
20 May 2023     Views:10964
Embracing the Future: How AI is Revolutionizing th...
18 May 2023     Views:6283
Understanding Narcotics Laws in India: A Comprehen...
17 May 2023     Views:6148
Understanding Indian Laws on Cross-Border Transact...
16 May 2023     Views:7275
ADR mechanism of legal adjudication in India...
15 May 2023     Views:5995
Validity of foreign arbitral award in India throug...
14 May 2023     Views:6009
Scope of Section 151 CPC...
13 May 2023     Views:7586
Detailed Overview on Section 482 of Crpc...
11 May 2023     Views:6535
Scope of Decree under CPC...
10 May 2023     Views:6087
Legal development of Arbitration Laws in India....
09 May 2023     Views:6131
Arbitration Laws in India...
07 May 2023     Views:6076
Impact of COVID-19 on Legal Industry...
06 May 2023     Views:8178
Chargesheet not having authority's valid sanction ...
02 May 2023     Views:6356
Same-Sex Marriage in India...
30 Apr 2023     Views:5998
National Commission for Women...
27 Apr 2023     Views:5850
Law making process of India....
26 Apr 2023     Views:6937
Bail Provisions in India...
25 Apr 2023     Views:5874
Life imprisonment in Criminal Law in India...
24 Apr 2023     Views:6289
Contempt of Court...
23 Apr 2023     Views:6129
The collegium system of Judiciary in India....
22 Apr 2023     Views:5814
Remarriage before Expiry of Limitation Period to f...
21 Apr 2023     Views:5812
Need for strict measure of NDPS laws in India....
20 Apr 2023     Views:5971
Nature of Offence under Section 138 of NI Act is Q...
19 Apr 2023     Views:8404
Order VII Rule 11 CPC: Plaint cannot be rejected m...
18 Apr 2023     Views:7012
Mediation: At the Dawn of Golden Age organized at ...
16 Apr 2023     Views:6095
Central Government's motto should be mediate, not ...
15 Apr 2023     Views:5808
Ambedkar Jayanti Celebrations...
14 Apr 2023     Views:6016
Supreme Court of India calls for Preventive Measur...
12 Apr 2023     Views:5580
Pursuing LL.M is not break in Law Practice, Rules ...
11 Apr 2023     Views:5801
Law should take into consideration realities of co...
10 Apr 2023     Views:5633
Delhi High Court said that peeping into public bat...
08 Apr 2023     Views:6231
Delhi High Court denies bails to AAP's Satyendra J...
06 Apr 2023     Views:6351
Supreme Court’s Triple Talaq Judgement Would App...
30 Jan 2023     Views:6079
Article 311(1) | An Order of Removal From Service ...
26 Jan 2023     Views:6557
Leaders shouldn't disrespect the President or Pri...
17 Jan 2023     Views:5861
New bench will hear Ashwini Upadhyay's Supreme Cou...
15 Jan 2023     Views:5997
Person Who Drove Rashly with the Knowledge that it...
12 Jan 2023     Views:6584
The rigours of Section 37 of the NDPS Act cannot b...
11 Jan 2023     Views:6324
FIND A LAWYER




FIND A LAW SCHOOL



Most Read News Articles

  • Sabrimala Verdict (28 sept 2018) - A End of Taboo.
    On 07 Oct 2020    Views:96308
  • Case Analysis: Vellore Citizens Welfare Forum vs Union of India
    On 11 Dec 2020    Views:73880
  • Case Analysis: THE BERUBARI UNION CASE
    On 14 Dec 2020    Views:71295
  • DOCTRINE OF ELECTION UNDER TRANSFER OF PROPERTY ACT, 1882
    On 08 Jul 2020    Views:70431
  • A.K. Gopalan v. State of Madras (1950 AIR 27, 1950 SCR 88)
    On 08 Nov 2020    Views:59794
View all >>

Propertified Propertified Propertified Propertified Propertified Propertified Propertified Propertified Propertified

86540

Lawyers Network

103860

Users

630

Cities Serving

114

Law Schools Network

59824

Law Students Network

About us

  • Company Profile

Indian Major Laws

  • Indian Constitution
  • IPC
  • CrPC
  • CPC
  • Companies Act
  • Indian Evidence Act
  • CGST Act
  • Limitation Act

Policies

  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Refund & Cancellation

    Ads & Media

  • Resource Sharing
  • Advertiser(Sign Up/Login)
  • Media

    Careers

  • Internships
  • Jobs
  • Student Journalists

    HELP & SUPPORT

  • Contact Us
  • Grievances
  • Test

News

  • Legal News
  • Post Article
  • Post Interview

Legal Library

  • Central Acts
  • Deeds Drafts [1128 ]
  • Legal Maxims

Connect

Lawsisto Direct

 

  •  
  •  
DISCLAIMER
Copyright © Lawsisto Private Limited. All rights reserved.
Unless otherwise indicated, all materials on these pages are copyrighted by Lawsisto Private Limited. All rights reserved. No part of these pages, either text or image may
be used for any purpose. By continuing past this page, you agree to our Terms of Service, Cookie Policy, Privacy Policy and Content Policies.