STATE OF H.P. vs PREM SINGH

The Supreme Court held that in cases of sexual assault, the delay in lodging the FIR cannot be equated with other offences, as various societal factors influence the decision to report. The Court found that the High Court erred in dismissing the prosecution's case based on this delay. While the Court upheld the conviction under Sections 354 and 506 IPC, it ruled that the prosecution failed to establish the offence of rape under Section 376 IPC, leading to a partial allowance of the State's appeal and modification of the sentences.