The Delhi High Court said false rape allegations can cause severe lifelong harm to an innocent accused, including loss of reputation, jail, social stigma and psychological trauma. It added such wounds cannot be healed by discharge or sympathy.
The Supreme Court of India acquitted six murder suspects, criticizing the “overzealous” police investigation and highlighting that a significant number of witnesses turned hostile, including the victim’s son. The court emphasized that convictions must rely on valid evidence, not on assumptions or inadmissible statements, leading to the reversal of the Karnataka High Court’s ruling.
NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court of India upheld that if an alleged rape victim refuses to undergo a medical examination, it can lead to negative inferences against their claims. The bench, comprising Justice Surya Kant and Justice NK Singh, made this important observation while hearing an appeal filed by the State of Himachal Pradesh. The appeal was against a High Court judgment that had acquitted an accused in a rape case.
The Supreme Court ruled that hostile witnesses’ testimony should not be entirely dismissed. The Court emphasized that even if a witness turns hostile, the prosecution can still use portions of their testimony that are supportive of the case. This ensures that relevant evidence is not disregarded simply due to a witness’s change in stance. The decision highlights the importance of carefully evaluating witness statements for their value in a trial.