SANJIB BANERJEE, WANLURA DIENGDOH
Armishal L. Marshillong – Appellant
Versus
State of Meghalaya – Respondent
JUDGMENT
Sanjib Banerjee, CJ. - Though one or two feeble grounds are urged to assail the judgment of conviction of April 27, 2021 finding the appellant guilty under Section 376(2) of the Indian Penal Code, 1860, the main thrust of the argument is against the sentence of 20 years' rigorous imprisonment awarded along with the fine of Rs.50,000/-.
2. The appellant was taken into custody, as indicated in the impugned judgment, on September 6, 2009 and obtained bail after three months and two days. The period of detention already undergone by the appellant was required to be set off against the sentence. As to the judgment of conviction, the appellant complains that the survivor did not issue any statement and, in a sense, no case was made out by the prosecution, as a consequence. The appellant also contends that the eye-witness accounts by two young boys, both aged about seven at the time of the incident, should not have persuaded the trial court to find the appellant guilty as there was no other material brought by the prosecution in such regard.
3. However, what the appellant overlooks is the rather candid confession made by the appellant under Section 164 of the Code of Criminal Proced
The confessional statement of the appellant and testimonies of witnesses can be crucial in establishing guilt and determining the appropriate sentence.
Credibility of survivor's statement, corroborative evidence, and lack of defense or motive for false accusation are crucial in establishing guilt in cases of sexual offences against children.
Corroboration of a minor survivor's testimony is not essential in cases of sexual offences, and the absence of motive for false accusation can be a significant factor in establishing guilt.
The conviction was based on the evidence adduced by the prosecution and the testimony of the survivor, highlighting the importance of corroborative evidence in such cases.
The court established that the survivor's conduct and the inconsistencies in her testimony raised reasonable doubt about the prosecution's case, necessitating acquittal.
The confession of the accused, the victim's testimony, and the identification of the accused by the victim were pivotal in establishing the offence beyond reasonable doubt.
The victim's clear testimony, medical examination, and the appellant's admission of the offence are crucial in establishing the guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
The reliability and trustworthiness of the victim's testimony, along with medical evidence, can establish guilt in cases of sexual offenses.
The court emphasized the importance of the victim's testimony, corroborating evidence, and lack of dispute regarding the victim's age in establishing the appellant's guilt for the offence of rape.
The importance of adhering to legal procedures for recording confessional statements and assessing the credibility of witness testimony.
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