Supreme Court of India

State of Punjab v Gurmit Singh

1996 INSC 7519961 min read
The case in brief30-second read
Facts
A minor girl was abducted and raped. The trial court acquitted the accused, doubting her evidence for lack of corroboration and delay in reporting.
Issue
Whether the prosecutrix's testimony needs corroboration.
Held
The testimony of a prosecutrix, if reliable, can found a conviction without corroboration; corroboration is a rule of prudence, not of law. Delay was explained. The acquittal was reversed and the accused convicted. The Court also gave guidance on sensitive handling of rape trials.
Principle
A rape victim is not an accomplice; her credible evidence alone can support a conviction.
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Facts

  • A minor girl was abducted and raped. The trial court acquitted the accused, doubting her evidence for lack of corroboration and delay in reporting.

Issue

  1. Whether the prosecutrix's testimony needs corroboration.

Held

  • The testimony of a prosecutrix, if reliable, can found a conviction without corroboration; corroboration is a rule of prudence, not of law. Delay was explained. The acquittal was reversed and the accused convicted. The Court also gave guidance on sensitive handling of rape trials.

Cite this

Citation

State of Punjab v Gurmit Singh 1996 INSC 75

Reported: https://indiankanoon.org/doc/1046545/. This is an educational summary, not the judgment itself. Cite the reported version in professional or academic work.