Delhi High Court: Minor’s Testimony Remains Credible Under POCSO Even Without Explicit Mention of 'Force'

The Delhi High Court ruled that a minor victim’s failure to explicitly describe sexual acts as “forceful” in initial statements could not exonerate an accused under the POCSO Act.

The Court emphasised that such omissions must be viewed in the context of the child’s trauma, age, and possible inability to articulate coercion, and could not undermine the credibility of the allegations if corroborated by other evidence.

The Court held that the prosecutrix’s testimony was consistent, coherent and could not be doubted.

The Court directed DSLSA to facilitate the disbursement of Rs. 7 lakh compensation awarded by the Trial Court.

[Rajnish v State NCT of Delhi]