1 [CASE NUMBER] HIGH COURT OF MADHYA PRADESH, PRINCIPAL SEAT AT JABALPUR (SINGLE BENCH : HON'BLE SHRI JUSTICE [ENTITY]) [CASE NUMBER] [ENTITY] Vs. The [ENTITY] Shri [ENTITY], Advocate for the appellant. Shri [ENTITY], G.A. for the respondent / State. Whether approved for reporting : (Yes / No). JUDGMENT
(Delivered on 29/11/2018) The appellant has preferred the present appeal being ag- grieved with the judgment dated 20.7.1998 passed by the Sessions Judge, Damoh, in [CASE NUMBER] whereby the appellant has been convicted for the offence under [SECTION] of the [ACT] and sentenced to undergo RI for 8 years with fine of Rs.5,000/-, in default of payment of fine, further R.I. of six months.
2. The prosecution case, in brief, is that on 16.7.1997 at about 4 PM, when the prosecutrix, PW1 alone was going towards garden to answer the call of nature in village Jhagri on the way near a tree she met with the accused armed with axe, who stopped her with bad intention asked that he wants sexual intercourse with her. Prosecutrix, PW1, scolded him, then appellant accused caught hold her right hand, threw away his axe, threw down the pros- ecutrix, lifted the saree of the prosecutrix and committed rape with her. The prosecutrix screamed, then appellant threatened to kill her by axe due to which she did not shout. After committing rape, appellant fled away. The prosecutrix returned back to her house and narrated the entire incident to his mother-in-law [ENTITY], PW2 and sister-in-law [ENTITY], PW3. Her husband was not at home, when he came back next day i.e. 17.7.1997, informa- tion of the incident was given at Police Station Pathariya, on the basis of which First Information Report, Ex.P/1, was lodged and [CASE NUMBER] was registered against the appellant for the of- fence punishable under [SECTION], [SECTION] and [SECTION] of the [ACT] and the matter was investigated. The prosecutrix was sent for her medico legal examination. Dr.[ENTITY] (PW-6) ex- amined her at W.S.District Hospital, Damoh and gave her report Ex.P-6. Spot map was prepared. Appellant was arrested on 24.7.1997 and his medical examination was conducted by Dr.[ENTITY], PW4. He gave his report, Ex.P/4. One axe was recovered at the instance of the appellant vide seizure memo, Ex.P/7. After due investigation, a charge sheet was filed before the concerned JMFC, who committed the case to the Court of Ses- sions. The court of Sessions Judge, Damoh, framed the charge against the appellant for the offence under [SECTION] of the [ACT] The appellant abjured the guilt and claimed to be tried. His defence was that he has been falsely implicated on account of enmity with the family of the prosecutrix.
3. The learned court below after appreciating the oral as well as documentary evidence on record arrived at the conclusion that the appellant has committed sexual intercourse with her without her consent and will. Hence, convicted the appellant under [SECTION] and sentenced him, as mentioned above.
4. Learned counsel for the appellant submitted that the finding of the learned court below is contrary to law. The allegation of commission of rape with the prosecutrix has not been established beyond reasonable doubt by the prosecution. The conviction of the appellant is based on the sole testimony of the prosecutrix. Other witnesses viz. [ENTITY], PW2, mother-in-law of the pros- ecutrix and [ENTITY], PW3, sister-in-law of the prosecutrix are not in- dependent witnesses, therefore, their version cannot be relied upon. The incident of commission of rape with the prosecutrix also does not find support from the statement of Dr.[ENTITY], PW7, who examined the prosecutrix immediately after the inci- dent. As per medical report, no external or internal injury was found on the private part of the prosecutrix. She further opined that the prosecutrix was habitual of sexual intercourse, therefore, no definite opinion can be given whether rape has been commit- ted or not. There is one day delay in lodging of the FIR. The in- vestigation is also faulty. There is no corroboration from the FSL report. In the circumstances, the possibility of false implication of the appellant cannot be ruled out. The statement of the pros- ecutrix without any corroboration cannot be relied. The learned trial court without appreciating the evidence has mechanically recorded the findings which are not sustainable. Hence, the ap- peal be allowed and conviction and sentence be set aside.
5. On the other hand, learned Govt. Advocate has contended that the finding of the learned court below is based on legal and proper appreciation of the evidence, which does not require any interference, therefore, the appeal be dismissed.
6. The question for consideration is that whether the prosecu- tion has established beyond the reasonable doubt that the appel- lant committed sexual intercourse with the prosecutrix without her consent or will ?
7. Having considered the contention advanced by learned counsel for the parties and on perusal of record it is found that the conviction of the appellant is based on the testimony of the pros-
ecutrix, PW1, which got corroboration with the testimony of her mother-in-law [ENTITY] (PW-2) and sister-in-law [ENTITY] (PW-
3) to whom she narrated the entire incident. The prosecutrix (PW-
1) categorically stated that the appellant met her on the way with axe in his hand. He stopped her and told her that he wants to have sex with her. He caught hold of her right hand, threw the axe and threw her down and lifter her clothes and committed rape with her. The prosecutrix screamed, then appellant threatened to kill her by axe due to which she did not shout, then the appellant ran away. The prosecutrix returned back to her house and narrated the entire incident to her mother-in-law and sister-in-law. When her husband came back in the evening, she narrated the incident to him and the next day she went to lodge report at Police Station Pathariya and then was sent for medical examination.
8. Mother-in-law [ENTITY] (PW-2) and sister-in-law [ENTITY] (PW-3) of the prosecutrix, have stated that prosecutrix came weeping to her house and narrated the incident to them. [ENTITY] ASI (PW-5) stated that on 17.7.1997 he recorded the FIR at Police Station Patharia and sent the prosecutrix for medical ex- amination and on 24.7.1997 appellant was taken into custody and one axe was recovered from his possession and seizure memo Ex- P/8 was prepared and also sent for medical examination. Dr. [ENTITY] (PW-6) stated that he examined the pros- ecutrix on 18.7.1997 and as the prosecutrix was a married lady, there was no sign on her person in connection with forceful inter- course with her. Dr. [ENTITY] (PW-4) has stated that he exam- ined the appellant on 31.7.1997 and found that the appellant was physically capable to commit sexual intercourse and prepared the report Ex.P/4.
9. The learned trial Court after appreciating the evidence that has come on record, found that the statement of the prosecutrix (PW-1) is reliable and established the fact that the appellant com- mitted sexual intercourse with the prosecutrix without her con- sent and will.
10. Learned counsel appearing on behalf of the appellant has as- sailed the aforesaid finding firstly on the ground that FIR Ex.P/1 was delayed by one day and there is no reasonable explanation hence, the case of the prosecution is doubtful.
11. In the considered opinion of this court, the aforesaid con- tention advanced by learned counsel for the appellant has no sub- stance. The prosecutrix (PW-1) has explained the fact that her husband was not at home. He returned in the evening and there- after on the next date FIR was lodged. In the case of sexual of- fence, such delay is immaterial and is not sufficient to discard the testimony of the prosecutrix. In this regard, the Hon. Apex Court in the case of [PRECEDENT] had held as under :-
"So far as the delay in lodging the FIR is concerned, the delay in a case of sexual assault cannot be equated with the case involving other offences. There are several factors which weigh in the mind of the prosecutrix and her family members before coming to the Police Station to lodge a complaint. In a tradition-bound society prevalent in India, more particularly rural areas, it would be quite unsafe to throw out the prosecution case merely on the ground that there is some delay in lodging the FIR".
12. In the case of [PRECEDENT] Hon. The Apex Court has held :-
" In India if the prosecutrix is a married women, she will not do anything in relation to the wrong done unto her without informing the husband. Merely because the complaint was lodged less than promptly, does not automatically raise the question that the com- plaint was not a genuine one."
13. Learned counsel for the appellant further submitted that medical expert Dr. [ENTITY] (PW-6) has not found any mark of resistance on the person of the prosecutrix and there is no other physical circumstance for corroborating the testimony of the prosecutrix. As per the prosecution story and the evidence of the prosecutrix, the appellant had axe in his hands at the time of incident he threatened the prosecutrix to kill her. On account of fear she did not make any resistance and surrendered herself with a view to save her life. In the circumstances, there is no question of sustaining the mark of resistance on her body. Similarly, she was a married lady, hence, on physical examination it is not possi- ble to found any mark of resistance on her private parts. The testi- mony of the prosecutrix cannot be discarded merely on the ground that there is absence of medical evidence with regard to commission of forceful intercourse and absence of mark of resis- tance. See [PRECEDENT] and [PRECEDENT] & [PRECEDENT] The Accused [PRECEDENT].
14. Learned counsel for the appellant further submitted that as per the prosecution story, the incident had taken place on the public way and at such place, no one can make such attempt and this situation make the prosecution story suspicious.
15. In the considered opinion of this Court, the aforesaid con- tention is not sufficient to hold the testimony of the prosecutrix doubtful. The prosecutrix has categorically replied during the cross-examination that at the time of incident, there was no one present on the way. Investigating office [ENTITY] (PW-5) has stated that the spot map Ex.P/2 was prepared at the instance of the prosecutrix and it was found that the place of the incident was not the actual way but it was situated near that way and it can be possible to commit such misdeed at such hidden place.
16. Learned counsel for the appellant has also contended that the facts and circumstances of the case show that it may be the case of consent and placed reliance on the judgment of Apex Court in [PRECEDENT], whereby Hon'ble Supreme court has held that there was no injury found on the person of the prosecutrix and the fact of absence of circumstances of using force and the conduct of the prosecutrix of hiding herself, reflects unnatural conduct of the prosecutrix. Considering the aforesaid circumstances it is held that the possibility of consent cannot be ruled out. The facts and circumstances of the present case are not similar, therefore, no benefit can be given to the appellant on the basis of the aforesaid judgment.
17. Similarly, learned counsel for the appellant placed reliance on the judgment of the Apex Court in [PRECEDENT] in which it is held that :-
"11. Then coming to the conviction of the appellant under [SECTION] [ACT], although both the courts below have held af- ter accepting the evidence of prosecutrix being truthful held that the appellant has forcibly committed the rape, we are of the opinion that the said fining is unsustainable. The pros- ecutrix had sufficient opportunity not only to run away from the house at Ramgarh but she could have also taken the help of neighbours from the said village. The medical evidence of Dr. [ENTITY] - P.W.2 also indicates that there were no injuries on the person of the prosecutrix including her private part. her entire conduct clearly shows that she was a consenting party to the sexual intercourse and if this be so, the conviction of the appellant under [SECTION] [ACT] cannot be sustained. there is one more additional factor which we must mention that it is not the case of the prosecutrix that she was put in physical restraint in the house at Ramgarh, with the re- sult her movements were restricted. This circumstance also goes to negative the case of forcible intercourse with the pros- ecutrix by the appellant.
18. Hon. the Apex Court considering the peculiar facts of the aforesaid case, acquitted the accused considering that it may be a case of consent, but the fact of the present case is totally different and on the basis of the aforesaid judgment it cannot be said that the present case is also the case of consent. In the aforesaid case, the prosecutrix was a consent party.
19. Learned counsel for the appellant also placed reliance on the judgment of the Apex Court in [PRECEDENT] in which the girl was unmarried and 18 years old but the medical expert opined that she was habit- ual of having sexual intercourse and there was no injury on the body of the prosecutrix and no sign of semen on the private part of the prosecutrix and also no clothes were torned therefore, possi- bility of consent of the prosecutrix cannot be ruled out. But so far as the present case is concerned, the facts are different. In the present case on the point of axe, the prosecutrix was subjected to fear due to which she was unable to make any physical resistance and surrendered herself, therefore, there is no question of such sign or mark on her body.
20. Learned counsel for the appellant also submitted that in this case investigation was faulty. Neither the sample of vaginal swab of the prosecutrix and slide of semen of the appellant were col- lected and sent to FSL and nor the statements of the persons who resided near the place of incident have been recorded. Hence, the investigation cannot be said to be fair and it caused prejudice to the appellant.
21. In view of this Court, the aforesaid contention also has no substance. The appellant has failed to point out the name of any person who was residing near the place of incident.
22. So far as the allegation with regard to not taking any action for getting FSL report is concerned, during cross-examination by the investigating Officer, on behalf of the appellant no question has been put forth so that he could explain the reason for non- compliance of the same. In the present case, the prosecutrix is a married lady, therefore, no much importance is given to the FSL report. The Apex Court in the case of [PRECEDENT] has held that merely shabby investigation cannot rescue the accused as the defence cannot be allowed to take advantage of bad investigation where clinching evidence is available to the prosecution.
23. In the present case, the appellant has failed to establish the fact which may be considered as motive of false implication by the prosecutrix and other witnesses [ENTITY] (PW-2) and [ENTITY] (PW-3). He has failed to prima facie establish the case that there was any enmity between him and the family of the prosecutrix. In the absence of any motive of false implication, merely on the basis of statement of the prosecutrix whose statement otherwise found to be credible, the appellant can be convicted for the commission of offence. In this regard Hon. Apex Court in the case of [PRECEDENT] has held :-
16. A prosecutrix of a sex offence cannot be put on par with an ac-
complice. She is in fact a victim of the crime. The [ACT] nowhere says that her evidence cannot be accepted unless it is cor- roborated in material particulars. She is undoubtedly a competent wit- ness under [SECTION] and her evidence must receive the same weight as is attached to an injured in cases of physical violence. The same degree of care and caution must attach in the evaluation of her evidence as in the case of an injured complainant or witness and no more. What is necessary is that the court must be alive to and con- scious of the fact that it is dealing with the evidence of a person who is interested in the outcome of the charge levelled by her. If the court keeps this in mind and feels satisfied that it can act on the evidence of the prosecutrix, there is no rule of law or practice incorporated in the [ACT] similar to illustration (b) to Section 114 which requires it to look for corroboration. If for some reason the court is hesitant to place implicit reliance on the testimony of the prosecutrix it may look for evidence which may lend assurance to her testimony short of cor- roboration required in the case of an accomplice. The nature of evi- dence required to lend assurance to the testimony of the prosecutrix must necessarily depend on the facts and circumstances of each case. But if a prosecutrix is an adult and of full understanding the court is entitled to base a conviction on her evidence unless the same is shown to be infirm and not trustworthy. If the totality of the circum-
stances appearing on the record of the case disclose that the pros- ecutrix does not have a strong motive to falsely involve the person charged, the court should ordinarily have no hesitation in accepting her evidence. We have, therefore, no doubt in our minds that ordinar- ily the evidence of a prosecutrix who does not lack understanding must be accepted. The degree of proof required must not be higher than is expected of an injured witness.
24. In view of the aforesaid discussions, it cannot be said that in this case the prosecutrix was a consenting party. In the circum- stances, in view of this Court, the finding of the trial court is in ac- cordance with law and the prosecution has established the charge beyond the reasonable doubt against the appellant. Hence, this appeal deserves to be dismissed being devoid of merit. Accord- ingly, the appeal is dismissed.
25. The appellant is on bail. He is directed to surrender immedi- ately before the trial Court and in case of non-compliance, the trial Court shall issue warrant of arrest against him and send him to jail for undergoing the remaining sentence.
26. A copy of this judgment be sent to the trial court for infor- mation and compliance.
([ENTITY]) JUDGE HIGH COURT OF MADHYA PRADESH : PRINCIPAL SEAT AT JABALPUR 1 Case Number Cr.A. No.1717/1998 2 Parties Name [ENTITY] Vs. The [ENTITY] 3 Date of Judgment 29/11/2018 4 Bench Constituted of Hon'ble [ENTITY], J.
5 Judgment delivered Hon'ble Shri [ENTITY] by 6 Whether approved Yes for reporting 7 Name of the counsel Shri [ENTITY], Advocate for the for parties appellant.
Shri [ENTITY] Government Advo-
cate for the respondent/State, 8 Law laid down The [ACT] nowhere says that evi-
dence of the prosecutrix cannot be ac-
cepted unless it is corroborated by any material particulars. The requirement of material for corroboration depends on the facts and circumstances of each case applying the rule of prudence. But if the prosecutrix is an adult and of full under-
standing the court is entitled to base a conviction on her evidence unless the same is shown to be infirm and not trustworthy. If the totality of the circum-
stances appearing on the record of the case disclose that the prosecutrix does not have a strong motive to falsely in-
volve the person charged, the court should ordinarily have no hesitation in accepting her evidence.
([ENTITY]) Judge