The appellant had been convicted by the Trial Court for the offense of rape. However, upon appeal, the High Court scrutinized the case and found several critical flaws in the prosecution's evidence. One of the most glaring issues was the delay of three days in filing the FIR. The Court noted that such a delay, without a satisfactory explanation, could indicate that the story was fabricated or exaggerated. In criminal jurisprudence, timely reporting is crucial, and unexplained delays often raise doubts about the veracity of the allegations.
Additionally, the Court observed that the prosecutrix's testimony lacked corroboration from medical and scientific evidence. The medical examination did not reveal any seminal fluid or blood stains on the victim's clothing, and there was no Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) report to support the claims of rape. The absence of such crucial evidence significantly weakened the prosecution's case. The Court emphasized that while the testimony of the prosecutrix is vital, it must be supported by medical and scientific evidence to establish the guilt of the accused beyond a reasonable doubt.
Furthermore, the Court considered the possibility of a false accusation. It highlighted that false rape allegations are not uncommon and can be motivated by various factors, including personal animosity, revenge, or financial disputes. In this case, there was evidence of a heated altercation involving physical violence between the parties, which could have been a precursor to the false accusation. The Court noted that the inherent improbability of the prosecutrix's version, combined with the lack of corroborative evidence, suggested that the case might have been fabricated to settle personal scores.
The High Court's decision to acquit the appellant reflects its adherence to the principle that in criminal cases, especially those involving serious charges like rape, the prosecution must prove the guilt of the accused beyond a reasonable doubt. The absence of medical evidence, the delay in lodging the FIR, and the possibility of a false accusation created substantial doubt about the prosecution's case, leading the Court to grant the benefit of the doubt to the accused.
This judgment serves as a reminder of the importance of thorough and timely investigations in cases of serious offenses. It underscores the necessity for the prosecution to present reliable and corroborated evidence to secure a conviction. The Court's decision also highlights the need for vigilance against false accusations, ensuring that the rights of the accused are protected while also safeguarding the interests of genuine victims.
In conclusion, the Rajasthan High Court's acquittal of the rape convict underscores the judiciary's commitment to upholding justice by ensuring that convictions are based on credible and corroborated evidence. The case serves as a precedent in emphasizing the importance of medical and scientific evidence, timely reporting, and the need to carefully scrutinize the veracity of allegations in serious criminal cases.
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