THE STATE OF PUNJAB vs GURMIT SINGH & ORS.

The Supreme Court, while hearing an appeal under Section 14 of the Terrorist Affected Areas (Special Courts) Act, 1984, overturned the acquittal of the accused in a case of abduction and rape of a minor girl. The Court criticized the lower court for its insensitivity and erroneous assessment of the prosecutrix's testimony, emphasizing that the evidence of a minor victim must be treated with utmost seriousness. The Court held that the acquittal was a miscarriage of justice and ordered a retrial, reinforcing the legal principle that the credibility of a minor's testimony should not be undermined due to preconceived notions about behavior and psychology.