Courts Must Stand Firm with Minor Victims: Delhi High Court Upholds Conviction in Sexual Assault Case

In a recent ruling, the Delhi High Court asserted the paramount need for unwavering support for minor victims, upholding a man's conviction for sexually assaulting a 14-year-old boy despite the victim's family reaching a settlement with the accused. Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma stressed the imperative for the legal system to remain vigilant against external pressures, stating unequivocally, "Law has to stand firm with the victim who cannot stand for himself, being a minor, even if his own parents are not standing with him." 

The court, in its observation, highlighted the duty to delve into deeper understanding, going beyond the surface of cases to recognize the socio-economic context that might lead individuals to make compromises compromising their pursuit of justice. Justice Sharma emphasized that the court's responsibilities extend beyond merely determining guilt or innocence, asserting that decisions in serious criminal cases send signals to society about the consequences of unlawful actions. The judgment criticized the concerning trend of repeated adjournments during trial stages and urged trial courts to consider the victim's state of mind, particularly before granting long adjournments. 

The High Court ultimately upheld the conviction, noting the victim's consistent claims despite turning hostile during cross-examination. The ruling underscores a commitment to justice even in challenging circumstances and signals the importance of protecting minor victims, emphasizing that courts must not be swayed by external influences or attempts to compromise the integrity of the legal process. 

Author: Anushka Taraniya  

News Writer, MIT ADT University