S.Meganathan v. the State
Case brief
What is this about?
rape of six-year-old girl; Section 376(2)(f) IPC conviction upheld; appeal dismissed; sole testimony of child victim sufficient without corroboration; victim not an accomplice; competent witness Section 118 Evidence Act; higher pedestal than injured witness; alleged tutoring by mother; minor contradictions (school holiday) not fatal; deceased doctor's injury report Proforma No. I admissible under Section 32 circumstances; high probative value; hymen torn; CFSL forensic report not exhibited; investigating officer lapses no ground in favour of accused; charge framed under Section 376(2)(i) IPC and Section 5(m) POCSO Act inapplicable; minimum sentence identical; ten years rigorous imprisonment and fine of Rs. 10,000/-; FIR 23.07.2012; judgement 12.09.2022 and order of conviction 13.09.2022; decided 03.05.2024; State of Chattisgarh Vs. Derha (2004) 9 SCC 699; Port Blair Circuit Bench division bench criminal appellate jurisdiction.