Changing Clothes Before Medical Exam Doesn’t Dilute Rape Evidence: Delhi High Court

The Delhi High Court held that a minor victim changing clothes before a medical examination did not undermine the prosecution's evidence in sexual assault cases.

 Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma dismissed an appeal challenging a conviction under Section 18 read with Section 5(m)(n) of the POCSO Act, 2012 and Section 376AB IPC.

The appellant contended that the victim’s intact hymen and changed clothing created doubt about guilt. The Court ruled that medical findings must be assessed alongside corroborative evidence, including semen traces on the victim’s garments, and procedural irregularities could not negate the prosecution’s case.

The Court affirmed that such factors did not erode the credibility of the victim’s testimony.

[Jai Mangal Mehto v State (Govt NCT Of Delhi)]