Lack Of Proof Of Victim’s Age Leads To Acquittal Under POCSO; Father & Priest Convicted Under IPC Instead: Madras High Court

In a recent judgment, the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court partially allowed two criminal appeals related to charges under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 (POCSO Act). The court examined whether the prosecution was able to prove the victim's age to sustain a conviction under the POCSO Act, which is applicable only if the victim is below 18 years of age. The inability to establish…