The State of Karnataka by v. Shivashankar
Case brief
What is this about?
Karnataka HC DB (Mohammad Nawaz & G Basavaraja JJ., 09.06.2026) in CRL.A No. 261 of 2026 (u/S 378(1)&(3) Cr.P.C.): State appeal against acquittal dated 23.07.2025 (Spl.C.198/2022, ASJ FTSC-III Bengaluru Rural) under Ss.363/376 IPC & S.6 POCSO dismissed. 112-day delay condoned (administrative reasons, IA 1/2026). Victim's age unproved: Ex.P8 study certificate (DOB 20.11.2007) alone insufficient absent admission register/birth certificate; S.94(2)(ii) JJ Act 2015 emphasised; P. Yuvaprakash (2024) 17 SCC 684 relied on. Victim's testimony contradicted her S.164 Cr.P.C statement; medical Ex.P15 and FSL Ex.P18 non-corroborative; acquittal reasons free of illegality/perversity; presumption of innocence reinforced.
What did the court decide?
Delay condonation allowed (IA No.1/2026); prayer for leave/appeal against acquittal rejected and the acquittal upheld.