The Supreme Court clarified that bodily injuries aren’t required to prove sexual assault, as victims react to trauma differently.
The Bench was hearing an appeal against a conviction under IPC Sections 363 (kidnapping) and 366-A (inducing a minor girl for illicit intercourse).
The Court found gaps in the evidence, including the victim voluntarily leaving with the appellant and a key witness not being presented.
Referring to its 2023 Handbook on Gender Stereotypes the Court highlighted diverse victim responses.
The conviction was quashed due to insufficient proof, and the appeal was allowed.
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