Bombay High Court Upholds Life Sentence for Father Convicted of Raping Minor Daughter Under POCSO

In a significant judgment, the Bombay High Court has upheld the life imprisonment sentence awarded to a man convicted of raping his minor daughter, dismissing his argument that the girl had falsely accused him out of anger. The court observed that it was “far-fetched” to believe that a daughter would level such a serious allegation against her own father merely due to anger or a family dispute.

The case was tried under the provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, a stringent law aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation. A trial court had earlier found the accused guilty and sentenced him to life imprisonment after examining the victim’s testimony and other supporting evidence.

While hearing the appeal, the High Court carefully reviewed the statements of the survivor and other evidence presented during the trial. The bench noted that the victim’s testimony was consistent and credible, and there was no reason to doubt her account of the repeated sexual abuse she suffered.

Rejecting the defence’s claim of false implication, the court remarked that it is highly unlikely for a minor girl to falsely accuse her father of such a grave crime unless the incident had actually occurred. The judges emphasized that the testimony of a victim in sexual assault cases carries significant weight and does not require unnecessary corroboration if it is trustworthy.

The High Court also pointed out that crimes committed within families are particularly traumatic for victims because the offender is someone they trust. Therefore, courts must approach such cases with sensitivity while ensuring strict punishment for offenders.

With these observations, the High Court dismissed the convict’s appeal and confirmed the life sentence awarded by the trial court. The ruling reinforces the judiciary’s firm stance on protecting children and ensuring justice for survivors of sexual abuse under the POCSO law.

The judgment is being seen as a strong message that courts will not entertain baseless claims aimed at discrediting victims in cases involving sexual offences against minors.