{"id":300975,"date":"2023-09-07T12:00:22","date_gmt":"2023-09-07T06:30:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/blog\/?p=300975"},"modified":"2023-12-12T18:05:38","modified_gmt":"2023-12-12T12:35:38","slug":"testimony-of-child-witness-can-be-relied-upon-in-sexual-assault-cases-if-it-is-trustworthy-and-unblemished-cal-hc-scc-blog","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/blog\/post\/2023\/09\/07\/testimony-of-child-witness-can-be-relied-upon-in-sexual-assault-cases-if-it-is-trustworthy-and-unblemished-cal-hc-scc-blog\/","title":{"rendered":"POCSO| Testimony of child witness can be relied upon in sexual assault cases if trustworthy and unblemished: Calcutta High Court"},"content":{"rendered":"<div style=\"text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;\">\n<p style=\"margin-bottom: 3%;\"><span style=\"font-weight: bold;\">Calcutta High Court:<\/span> A single-judge bench comprising of <span style=\"font-weight: bold;\">Bibhas Ranjan De,*<\/span> J., upheld the appellant&#8217;s conviction under Section <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink.aspx?q=JTXT-0001550487\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">10<\/a> of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink.aspx?q=JTXT-0002825996\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Protection of Children from Sexual Offence Act, 2012<\/a> (POCSO Act) based on the consistent and credible testimony of the victim, along with supporting medical evidence and the absence of substantial evidence to support the appellant&#8217;s claims of insanity or poor vision. The appellant was directed to surrender to serve his sentence.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: bold;\">Brief Facts<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom: 3%;\">The instant matter involves an appeal against the judgment and order dated 07-05-2022 passed by the Additional Sessions Judge, Special Court under the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink.aspx?q=JTXT-0002825996\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">POCSO Act<\/a> where appellant\/accused was found guilty of committing an offense under Section <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink.aspx?q=JTXT-0001550487\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">10<\/a> of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink.aspx?q=JTXT-0002825996\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">POCSO Act<\/a> and was sentenced to five years of rigorous imprisonment and a fine of Rs. 5000\/- with a further six months of simple imprisonment in case of default.<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom: 3%;\">The incident occurred on 28-02-2020, when the appellant forcibly raped a student of class 3 in a school before classes began. The victim raised an alarm, and the appellant fled the school. The victim&#8217;s grandfather filed a complaint with the police.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: bold;\">Procedural History<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom: 3%;\">A case was registered under Section <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink.aspx?q=JTXT-0002906158\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">376-AB<\/a> of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink.aspx?q=JTXT-0002726960\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Penal Code, 1860<\/a> (IPC) read with Section <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink.aspx?q=JTXT-0001550528\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">6<\/a> of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink.aspx?q=JTXT-0002825996\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">POCSO Act<\/a> based on the complaint. The investigation was conducted, including statements from witnesses and the victim, a medical examination, and the collection of evidence. The accused was charged under Section <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink.aspx?q=JTXT-0002906158\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">376-AB<\/a> of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink.aspx?q=JTXT-0002726960\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">IPC<\/a> read with Section <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink.aspx?q=JTXT-0001550528\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">6<\/a> of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink.aspx?q=JTXT-0002825996\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">POCSO Act<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom: 3%;\">During the trial, 22 witnesses were examined, including the victim, family members, teachers, medical personnel, and police officers. The accused, during his examination under Section <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink.aspx?q=JTXT-0001519590\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">313<\/a> of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink.aspx?q=JTXT-0002726935\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">CrPC<\/a>, pleaded not guilty and claimed false implication. The trial court found the appellant guilty based on the victim&#8217;s testimony and sentenced him as mentioned.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: bold;\">Moot Point<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom: 3%;\">Whether the appellant&#8217;s conviction under Section <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink.aspx?q=JTXT-0001550487\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">10<\/a> of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink.aspx?q=JTXT-0002825996\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">POCSO Act<\/a> was valid based on the evidence presented?<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: bold;\">Parties&#8217; Contentions<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom: 3%;\">The appellant&#8217;s contended that the prosecution&#8217;s case lacked support from school staff and other students who were not examined during the investigation. The appellant also raised concerns about the non-examination of a friend who had entered the room after hearing the victim&#8217;s cries. The appellant further raised the issue of the appellant&#8217;s alleged insanity and poor vision, citing doctor&#8217;s reports.<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom: 3%;\">The State contended that the victim&#8217;s testimony was consistent and corroborated by her statement recorded under Section <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink.aspx?q=JTXT-0001519400\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">164<\/a> of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink.aspx?q=JTXT-0002726935\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">CrPC<\/a> and a medical examination. It was pointed out that the appellant&#8217;s responses during the examination under Section <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink.aspx?q=JTXT-0001519590\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">313<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink.aspx?q=JTXT-0002726935\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">CrPC<\/a> indicated alertness. The prosecution claimed that the offense under Section <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink.aspx?q=JTXT-0001550531\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">9<\/a> of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink.aspx?q=JTXT-0002825996\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">POCSO Act<\/a> had been proven beyond reasonable doubt.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: bold;\">Court&#8217;s Assessment<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom: 3%;\">The Court observed that the sole testimony of the victim, a child witness, could be relied upon in cases of sexual assault, provided her evidence was trustworthy, unblemished, and of sterling quality. The Court noted that there were no material discrepancies between the victim&#8217;s testimony and her statement recorded under Section <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink.aspx?q=JTXT-0001519400\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">164<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink.aspx?q=JTXT-0002726935\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">CrPC<\/a> regarding the manner of the sexual assault.<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom: 3%;\">While there were some lapses in the investigation, such as the failure to examine the friend who entered the room, the Court ruled that these did not undermine the entirety of the prosecution&#8217;s case. It held that the victim&#8217;s consistent evidence, supported by her parents and medical professionals, was sufficient to establish the accused&#8217;s guilt.<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom: 3%;\">The Court rejected the defense&#8217;s plea of insanity and poor vision, as there was no substantial evidence to support these claims. The medical report and the doctor&#8217;s testimony did not indicate any mental instability or vision impairment at the time of the incident.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: bold;\">Court&#8217;s Verdict<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom: 3%;\">The Court upheld the conviction and dismissed the appeal. The Court directed the appellant\/accused to surrender before the Trial Court to serve the imposed sentence.<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom: 3%;\">[<span style=\"font-weight: bold; color: #632423;\">Animesh Biswas v. State of W.B., <a href=\"http:\/\/www.scconline.com\/DocumentLink\/0znEa61U\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">2023 SCC OnLine Cal 2633<\/a>, order dated 05-09-2023<\/span>]<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-indent: 18pt;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #000080;\">*Judgment by Justice Bibhas Ranjan De<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<hr\/>\n<p>Advocates who appeared in this case :<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-left: 18pt;\">Mr. Mit Guha, Mr. Sayan Kanjilal, Counsel for the Appellant<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-left: 18pt;\">Mr. Saswata Gopal Mukherjee, Ld. PP Mr. Saryati Datta, Mr. Sandip Chakrabarty, Counsel for the Respondent\/State<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-left: 18pt;\">Ms. Sreyashee Biswas, Counsel for the de facto complainant\/victim<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"color: #000080;\">Buy Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 &nbsp; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ebcwebstore.com\/product_info.php?products_id=1309\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">HERE<\/a><\/h3>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom: 3%;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ebcwebstore.com\/product_info.php?products_id=1309\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/protection-of-children-from-sexual-offences-act-2012-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"protection of children from sexual offences act, 2012\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-294600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/protection-of-children-from-sexual-offences-act-2012-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/protection-of-children-from-sexual-offences-act-2012-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/protection-of-children-from-sexual-offences-act-2012-440x293.jpg 440w, https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/protection-of-children-from-sexual-offences-act-2012-650x433.jpg 650w, https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/protection-of-children-from-sexual-offences-act-2012.jpg 886w, https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/protection-of-children-from-sexual-offences-act-2012-60x40.jpg 60w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"color: #000080;\">Buy Penal Code, 1860 &nbsp; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ebcwebstore.com\/product_info.php?products_id=1158\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">HERE<\/a><\/h3>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom: 3%;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ebcwebstore.com\/product_info.php?products_id=1158\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/penal-code-1860-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"penal code, 1860\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-294601\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/penal-code-1860-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/penal-code-1860-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/penal-code-1860-440x293.jpg 440w, https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/penal-code-1860-650x433.jpg 650w, https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/penal-code-1860.jpg 886w, https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/penal-code-1860-60x40.jpg 60w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"color: #000080;\">Buy Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 &nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ebcwebstore.com\/product_info.php?products_id=1031\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">HERE<\/a><\/h3>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom: 3%;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ebcwebstore.com\/product_info.php?products_id=1031\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/code-of-criminal-procedure-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"Code of Criminal Procedure\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-294422\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/code-of-criminal-procedure-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/code-of-criminal-procedure-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/code-of-criminal-procedure-440x293.jpg 440w, https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/code-of-criminal-procedure-650x433.jpg 650w, https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/code-of-criminal-procedure.jpg 886w, https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/code-of-criminal-procedure-60x40.jpg 60w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p style=\"font-style: italic;\">&#8220;In cases involving child witnesses, the Court should consider the child&#8217;s age, competency, and demeanor and may uphold a conviction even in the absence of other corroborating witnesses if the victim&#8217;s testimony is deemed reliable.&#8221;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":67514,"featured_media":290502,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[3,10],"tags":[2689,2573,60101,6191,2574],"class_list":["post-300975","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-casebriefs","category-highcourts","tag-Calcutta_High_Court","tag-child_witness","tag-justice-bibhas-ranjan-de","tag-sexual-assault","tag-testimony"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.4 (Yoast SEO v27.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Testimony of child witness can be relied upon in sexual assault cases if it is trustworthy and unblemished: Calcutta High Court | SCC Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Calcutta High Court held that the Court could rely upon 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