MOTHER X OF VICTIM A vs STATE OF NCT OF DELHI & ANR.

Judgment text excerpt

$~ * IN THE HIGH COURT OF DELHI AT NEW DELHI % Judgment delivered on: 21.04.2025 + CRL.REV.P. 247/2024 & CRL.M.A. 5586/2024 MOTHER X OF VICTIM A .....Petitioner Through: Mr. Anuj Kapoor and Mr. Shivom Sethi, Advocates versus STATE OF NCT OF DELHI & ANR. .....Respondents Through: Mr. Naresh Kumar Chahar, APP for the State. CORAM: HON'BLE DR. JUSTICE SWARANA KANTA SHARMA JUDGMENT Index to the Judgment FACTUAL BACKDROP ..................................................................................... 2 SUBMISSIONS BEFORE THE COURT ..................................................... 6 ANALYSIS & FINDINGS .................................................................................. 7 The Issue ............................................................................................................... 7 Understanding Section 19 and 21 of POCSO Act .......................................... 7 Assessment of the factual matrix and circumstances ...................................... 9 Non-reporting vs. delayed reporting of offence ............................................ 14 The child’s shattered trust and the role of mother ........................................ 15 The complexities of reporting sexual abuse: A mother’s dilemma ............. 17 Importance of social context in criminal adjudication ................................. 17 Where law meets life: A judge’s daily encounter with humanity ................. 18 The decision........................................................................................................ 19 Signature Not Verified CRL.REV.P.247/2024 Page 1 of 20 Digitally Signed By:ZEENAT PRAVEEN Signing Date:21.04.2025 20:07:27 DR. SWARANA KANTA SHARMA, J 1. The issue in this case requires this Court to appreciate – not just the facts