Father Who Sexually Assaulted Minor Daughter Not Entitled to Leniency Under POCSO: Delhi High Court

The Delhi High Court upheld the conviction of a father for repeatedly raping his minor daughter and refused to suspend his sentence under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012.

The Court held that a father, who is duty-bound to protect his child, cannot be shown any leniency for committing such a grave offence.

It relied on conclusive DNA evidence establishing the offence and observed that hostile or contradictory statements by the victim or her family, arising from social or economic pressures, cannot outweigh strong scientific evidence.

The Court reiterated the statutory presumption under Section 29 of the POCSO Act while dismissing the appeal.

[DRY v. State NCT of Delhi]