Reji v. State of Kerala

POCSO Act, 2012 – Section 4(1) r/w 3(a) – IPC – Sections 376 (now BNS 64), 376(2)(n) (now BNS 64), 376(2)(f) (now BNS 64) – Sexual assault on minor – Evidence of victim – Admissibility.

Allegation of false implication due to prior enmity – Whether minor victim’s testimony reliable – Held, the testimony of the minor victim, if found consistent and credible, constitutes sterling evidence – Claims of prior enmity between accused and victim’s family or alleged love relationship are irrelevant when the victim is a minor under the POCSO Act – Conviction and sentence confirmed.