Man Convicted of Raping Minor; Court Declares Consent Irrelevant

A court convicted a man for raping a 14-year-old girl in January 2015, ruling that establishing physical relations with a minor constitutes rape irrespective of her consent. The court rejected the defense's claim that the girl was a major and cited consistent statements and DNA evidence to support the prosecution's case.

A court here has convicted a man of raping a 14-year-old girl in January 2015, emphasizing that physical relations with a minor constitute rape, making her consent irrelevant.

Additional Sessions Judge Amit Sahrawat presided over the case, in which the man faced charges under the rape penal provision and Section 6 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

The court's verdict was based on consistent and reliable statements from the girl, who became pregnant and later gave birth as a result of the relationship. The defense's argument that the girl was a major at the time was rejected, with evidence showing she was around 14 years old.

The defense admitted to physical relations, which legally qualifies as rape if the girl is a minor. According to DNA profiling, the accused was confirmed as the biological father of the baby.

The forensic report strengthened the prosecution's case, proving beyond a reasonable doubt that the accused committed the offenses. The court concluded by finding the accused guilty of rape and aggravated penetrative sexual assault. Sentencing arguments will follow.