Shambhu Kumar Rai vs State

ik-113104985 Delhi High Court 18 February 2026 • 12 min read

Judges (1)

Counsel (6)

Aman Nihal Counsel Appellant Jagdesh Parshad Counsel Appellant Mohit Gupta Counsel Amicus Pradeep Gahalot Counsel Respondent Ram Ekbal Roy Counsel Appellant Sunil Kumar Jha Counsel Appellant

Parties (2)

State Respondent Shambhu Kumar Rai Appellant

Case Significance

Shambhu Kumar Rai vs State is a Delhi High Court decision dated February 18, 2026 (citation: ik-113104985). Appeal against conviction under POCSO Act Section 4 and IPC Section 376(2)(i) for rape of a 16-year-old minor. The Court found that all prosecution witnesses had turned hostile and it was unsafe to convict solely on scientific evidence. Appeal allowed, conviction set aside, and the accused was acquitted with bail bond cancelled. The case was heard by Justice Chandrasekharan Sudha. Counsel appearing: Aman Nihal (counsel for appellant), Jagdesh Parshad (counsel for appellant), Mohit Gupta (amicus curiae), Pradeep Gahalot (counsel for respondent), Ram Ekbal Roy (counsel for appellant), Sunil Kumar Jha (counsel for appellant).

Summary

Appeal against conviction under POCSO Act Section 4 and IPC Section 376(2)(i) for rape of a 16-year-old minor. The Court found that all prosecution witnesses had turned hostile and it was unsafe to convict solely on scientific evidence. Appeal allowed, conviction set aside, and the accused was acquitted with bail bond cancelled.

What was the outcome of Shambhu Kumar Rai vs State?

Judgment

Read the full judgment on the official India Courts portal.

Read on Indian Kanoon

Source: Indian Kanoon (ik-113104985)