The State of Karnataka v. Punitha
Case brief
What is this about?
Karnataka HC (DB: H.P. Sandesh & Venkatesh Naik T, JJ., 06-02-2026), CRL.A No.525/2018 — State of Karnataka (Huliyar PS, Tumkur) v. Punitha & 8 others. State appeal under S.378(1)&(3) CrPC against acquittal in Special Case No.180/2017 (Ss.366/366A/344/506 r/w 149 IPC; Ss.9-10 PCMA 2006; S.6 POCSO) dismissed. Keywords: appeal against acquittal; three inconsistent versions of victim PW12 (Ex.P11 s.164 CrPC statement, Ex.P14 police statement, deposition); delayed missing complaint (12 days); Ex.P10 school study certificate disbelieved (PW11 Headmaster did not verify admission records); statutory presumption S.29 POCSO urged by State; duty of Special Public Prosecutor; Presiding Officer's duty under S.165 Evidence Act, 1872; directions to Registrar General and Director of Prosecutions; miscarriage of justice.
What did the court decide?
No relief to the appellant-State; acquittal of Respondent Nos.1 to 8/Accused Nos.1 to 8 upheld. Directions issued: (ii) Registrar General to issue a Circular to the Presiding Officers of all criminal Courts of the State to play a proactive role in conducting trials; (iii) Registry to communicate the order to the Director of Prosecutions to issue directions to Special Public Prosecutors/Public Prosecutors working in the State to act diligently and be part of the dispensation of justice.