School Records Cannot Proof Age When Information Provider Testifies Information Was Incorrectly Recorded

The appellant was convicted by the Trial Court under Section 376(1) IPC and Section 6 of the POCSO Act for the alleged kidnapping and sexual assault of PW1, whom the prosecution claimed was below 13 years of age at the time of the incident in October 2014

The prosecution relied on school records (Ext. PW2/A) stating the victim's date of birth as 04.03.2002

the appellant contended that he married PW1 voluntarily with family consent

During the trial, both the victim (PW1) and her father (PW3) turned hostile, deposing that the victim was approximately 19 years old at the time of the marriage and that the age in school records had been intentionally reduced to secure admission

It was further revealed that PW3 had previously filed a similar kidnapping case against others which resulted in acquittal

1. Whether the prosecution proved beyond reasonable doubt that the victim was a minor at the time of the incident to attract the provisions of the POCSO Act

2. Whether the sexual relationship between the appellant and the victim was consensual, thereby vitiating the charge of rape under Section 375 IPC in the event the victim was a major

The Court applied Section 376(1) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Section 6 of the POCSO Act regarding aggravated penetrative sexual assault on a minor

It placed reliance on Section 35 of the Indian Evidence Act, 1872, regarding the relevancy of entries in public records, noting that school register entries are not conclusive proof of age if the source of information is shown to be unreliable

The Court also followed the principle from Moidu K. vs. State of Kerala (2009), holding that non-compliance with Section 232 Cr.P.C. does not vitiate proceedings unless substantial prejudice is shown

The Court observed that the primary evidence for the victim's age—the school admission register—was based solely on an affidavit by the father (PW3), who later admitted in court that he provided a false, lesser age to the school

The Court noted the absence of a birth certificate from municipal authorities or an ossification test to scientifically determine age

Since the person who supplied the information for the school record (PW3) discredited his own statement, the prosecution failed to establish the victim's minority beyond reasonable doubt

Furthermore, PW1's testimony confirmed she left home voluntarily, married the appellant, and had consensual relations

The Court also highlighted the complainant's (PW3) suspicious modus operandi of filing similar criminal cases previously, suggesting a motive of extortion

Consequently, the appeal was allowed, and the conviction under Section 376(1) IPC and Section 6 of the POCSO Act was set aside. The appellant was acquitted of all charges and ordered to be set at liberty