#Age Proof

HP HC held that under BNSS §432, prosecution may submit a matriculation certificate as additional evidence to prove a victim's age in a POCSO case at the appellate stage if it supports the case. This clarifies age-proof evidence rules in POCSO trials.

Madras High Court ruled that conviction under POCSO Act and Section 376 IPC demands strict proof of the victim's minor age and absence of consent beyond reasonable doubt. The court acquitted the accused after DNA exclusion and suppressed birth records raised doubts about the prosecution's case, reinforcing that consensual relations with a minor cannot be presumed as rape without conclusive evidence.