‘Reliable Testimony is Enough’: Uttarakhand HC Rejects Challenge to Rape Conviction over Lack of Medical Proof

The Uttarakhand High Court recently upheld the conviction and 10-year sentence of a man under the POCSO Act, observing that absence of medical evidence does not weaken the prosecution case if the victim’s testimony is credible and trustworthy.

The accused had challenged the conviction on grounds including lack of medical age determination and alleged inconsistencies in the prosecution’s case.

However, the High Court held that the prosecution had successfully proved the charges beyond reasonable doubt.

Reiterating settled legal principles, the Court emphasised that a reliable and consistent testimony of the victim can by itself form the basis of conviction in sexual offence cases.