‘Pocso misused’: Allahabad High Court acquits doctor jailed for daughter’s ‘rape’

The Allahabad High Court has acquitted a leading cardiologist from Uttarakhand, who was facing life imprisonment for allegedly sexually assaulting his minor daughter. The court stated that the evidence of the child witness should be considered with great caution in cases using the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) Act to accuse either of the parents.

The cardiologist was initially jailed for over one-and-a-half years and for over a year before that, following complaints by his wife. The court observed that the mother was attempting to involve the child in the conflict between the husband and wife, and that the child's testimony was likely influenced by her mother's suggestion.

The court also noted that the delay in filing the First Information Report (FIR) by the mother was not to save family reputation, but to indict the husband with severe offenses. The court acquitted the cardiologist and his brother of all charges.