#Rape

The Punjab & Haryana HC reduced the death penalty for the rape-murder of a 7-year-old to life imprisonment with a mandatory fifty-year minimum and imposed fines of Rs 50 lakh and Rs 23 lakh. It also ruled that CCTV footage without a Section 65B certificate is inadmissible, raising evidentiary standards in grave sexual-offence cases.

The Allahabad High Court upheld a conviction for kidnapping and rape, ruling that a minor's consent is legally irrelevant under Sections 366 and 376 IPC, that the prosecutrix's uncorroborated testimony suffices for conviction, and that an appellate court cannot remedy the trial court's omission to impose a mandatory fine.

Allahabad HC affirmed conviction under Section 376 IPC after a 39-year delay but reduced the sentence from 7 to 4 years, citing the appellant's advanced age, infirmities, and the prolonged trial. The ruling underscores the judiciary's balancing act between justice delayed and justice denied.

Kerala High Court quashes rape proceedings where consent was based on promise of marriage, clarifying that mala fide intent at inception is essential for conviction under Section 375 IPC.

Madhya Pradesh High Court holds that rape under Section 376 IPC is a non-compoundable crime against society; compromise between parties cannot justify quashing of FIR.

Madhya Pradesh High Court holds that marriage does not negate rape charges if consent was obtained by deception; trial must proceed despite advanced stage.