Delhi HC Upholds 20-Year Jail Term for Stepfather Who Raped Minor Stepdaughter
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In a landmark ruling, the Delhi High Court has upheld the 20-year jail term of a man convicted of raping his minor stepdaughter, citing the importance of protecting child victims from pressure and coercion. The court emphasized that a child's testimony cannot be dismissed simply because they become hostile, especially when there is scientific evidence to support the allegations. The case dates back to March 2016, when the 11-year-old victim alleged that she was sexually assaulted by her stepfather while she was sleeping. Despite retracting her statement during the trial, the court found sufficient evidence to convict the accused. Justice Amit Mahajan noted that children in such situations often face immense pressure from their family members, which can lead to them retracting their testimony. The court highlighted the need to provide child victims with protection and support, stating that 'nothing can justify a child being faced with the burden of shielding their perpetrator.' The high court rejected the accused's appeal, affirming that the presumption of guilt under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO) cannot be ignored merely because the victim or other witnesses turned hostile. The court's ruling serves as a significant milestone in the fight against child sexual abuse in India.
