$~28 * IN THE HIGH COURT OF DELHI AT NEW DELHI + CRL.L.P. 174/2020 STATE .....Petitioner Through: Mr. Hitesh Vali, APP.

versus RAHUL @ DEEPU .....Respondent Through: None.

CORAM:

HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE SANJEEV NARULA

O R D E R

% 02.12.2025

1. The State seeks leave under Section 378(1) of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, “Cr.P.C.” to assail judgment of acquittal dated 16^th December, 2019 passed by the Court of Additional Sessions Judge-07 (POCSO), West, Tis Hazari Courts, Delhi in SC No. 29/2014, titled “State v. Rahul @ Deepu” These proceedings emanate from FIR No. 456/2013, registered at P.S. Paschim Vihar for the offences under Sections 354-A(1) of the Indian Penal Code, 1860, “IPC” and Section 8 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 1860.3 Factual Background

2.1. The case of the prosecution originates from a complaint lodged by the victim’s mother, alleging that on 21^st December, 2013, when she returned home from work, her daughter informed her that while she was watching

television at the jhuggi of one Aarti, the Respondent arrived and held the victim’s hand. Her friend ‘A’, who was also present, intervened and helped remove the Respondent’s hand. It is further all