20 Yrs Sentence U/S 4(2) POCSO Act Can't Be Imposed When Accused Was Booked Only U/S 4: Gauhati High Court

The Gauhati High Court has stayed the conviction under the POCSO Act, where the victim's evidence was not subjected to preliminary questioning. The court found that the lack of proper questioning undermined the reliability of the evidence. This ruling emphasizes the importance of following due process in criminal trials to ensure fairness and justice. The decision sets a precedent for the need to adhere to procedural requirements in child abuse cases, ensuring that convictions are based on reliable and properly obtained evidence.