‘Physical Relations’ Alone Insufficient to Prove Rape: Delhi High Court

The Delhi High Court has acquitted a man convicted under Section 376 of the Indian Penal Code and Section 6 of the POCSO Act 2012, ruling that merely alleging “physical relations” without concrete evidence cannot establish rape or aggravated penetrative sexual assault.

The convict had challenged his 10-year rigorous imprisonment, arguing a lack of proof. The Court observed that neither the IPC nor the POCSO Act defines “physical relations” and that the prosecution relied solely on the oral testimony of the minor.

The Court overturned the conviction and sentence, holding the evidence presented to be insufficient.

[Rahul @ Bhupinder Verma v State (NCT of Delhi)]