Pintu v. State of U.P.
Supreme Court of IndiaMANU/SC/1310/2021Bench: J. Ashok Bhushan, J. M.R. Shah
The Supreme Court held that where the medical evidence not only fails to support but positively contradicts the prosecution version (showing no injuries consistent with forcible penetration), and the victim's testimony has material inconsistencies, the conviction cannot be sustained. While absence of injury is not always fatal to a POCSO prosecution, a positive medical opinion ruling out the nature of assault alleged is significant. The benefit of doubt in such circumstances must go to the accused. Conviction set aside.