Himachal Pradesh High Court Rules Aadhaar Not Conclusive Proof of Age in POCSO Case, Denies Bail

The Himachal Pradesh High Court has denied bail to an accused in a POCSO Act case, rejecting the defence’s argument that the victim’s Aadhaar card showed her as a major.

The court emphasised that Aadhaar is not conclusive proof of age under the POCSO Act, which prioritises the victim’s welfare and mandates strict scrutiny of age claims.

Medical and school records indicated the victim was a minor at the time of the offence. 

The court thus rejected an accused's regular bail plea, who is facing charges of offences under Sections 363 and 376 of the IPC and Section 4 of the POCSO Act.

[Rishi Kumar v State of Himachal Pradesh]