#ossification test

The Gauhati High Court held that an unexamined school admission register cannot establish a victim’s minority and that ossification test results must be interpreted with a two-year margin in favour of the accused. Consequently, the accused was acquitted under Section 6 of the POCSO Act, clarifying the evidentiary burden for age proof in POCSO prosecutions.

The Calcutta HC reinstated a compassionate appointment after an ossification test confirmed the petitioner was under 35 at the time of provisional appointment in 2021, despite later medical reports suggesting overage. The court held that a nearly five-year delay in finalizing the appointment, coupled with inconsistent medical assessments, rendered the termination prejudicial and violative of natural justice, setting a precedent for delayed compassionate appointments in government services.

Bombay High Court ruled that school admission records are conclusive proof of a victim’s age under the POCSO Act, superseding medical ossification tests. The court also affirmed that the sole credible testimony of a minor victim is sufficient for conviction under Section 376(2)(f) IPC, mandating life imprisonment for incestuous sexual offenses against minors.

Madhya Pradesh High Court holds that school admission records are conclusive for age determination under POCSO Act; ossification test not mandatory if documentary evidence exists.