DNA Report Alone Can’t Prove Guilt Under POCSO Without Supporting Evidence : Karnataka High Court

The Karnataka High Court has ruled that DNA profiling, though scientifically reliable, cannot solely justify a conviction under the POCSO Act without corroborative evidence.

Dismissing the prosecution’s appeal against the acquittal of Nagesh accused under IPC Section 376(2) and POCSO Sections 4 & 6, the court noted that the victim and her relatives denied any sexual act, and the victim didn’t identify him as the child’s father.

Citing Section 45 of the Indian Evidence Act and a report from the National Forensic Science University, the court emphasised the need for supporting oral testimony, stating that plausible trial court views deserve deference. (State of Karnataka v Nagesh)