DEELIP SINGH @ DILIP KUMAR vs STATE OF BIHAR

The Supreme Court upheld the conviction of the appellant under Section 376 IPC for the rape of a minor girl, affirming that consent is immaterial when the victim is below 16 years of age. The Court noted that the trial court found the victim was underage and that any consent given was either non-existent or involuntary due to the accused's false promises of marriage. The High Court's modification of the sentence from ten years to seven years was also upheld, emphasizing the gravity of the offense against a minor.