Karan vs State Nct Of Delhi & Anr

ik-187027711 Delhi High Court 17 February 2026 • 26 min read

Judges (1)

Amit Mahajan Delivered

Counsel (6)

Bhanu Pant Counsel Appellant Deepak Sharma Counsel Appellant Raj Kumar Counsel Respondent Supriya Juneja Counsel Respondent Vikram Singh Counsel Appellant Vishruti Chauhan Counsel Appellant

Parties (2)

State (NCT) of Delhi Respondent Karan Appellant

Case Significance

Karan vs State Nct Of Delhi & Anr is a Delhi High Court decision dated February 17, 2026 (citation: ik-187027711). The appellant challenged his conviction under Sections 342/363/365/376AB/506 IPC and Section 6 of the POCSO Act, for which he was sentenced to 20 years' rigorous imprisonment for the alleged sexual assault of a minor. The court found significant contradictions in the prosecution evidence, delays in lodging the FIR, and lack of corroboration for the victim's account, holding that when two views are possible, the benefit of doubt must go to the accused. The appeal was allowed, the conviction an The case was heard by Justice Amit Mahajan. Counsel appearing: Bhanu Pant (counsel for appellant), Deepak Sharma (counsel for appellant), Raj Kumar (counsel for respondent), Supriya Juneja (counsel for respondent), Vikram Singh (counsel for appellant), Vishruti Chauhan (counsel for appellant).

Summary

The appellant challenged his conviction under Sections 342/363/365/376AB/506 IPC and Section 6 of the POCSO Act, for which he was sentenced to 20 years' rigorous imprisonment for the alleged sexual assault of a minor. The court found significant contradictions in the prosecution evidence, delays in lodging the FIR, and lack of corroboration for the victim's account, holding that when two views are possible, the benefit of doubt must go to the accused. The appeal was allowed, the conviction and sentence were set aside, and the appellant was acquitted of all charges.

What was the outcome of Karan vs State Nct Of Delhi & Anr?

The appellant challenged his conviction under Sections 342/363/365/376AB/506 IPC and Section 6 of the POCSO Act, for which he was sentenced to 20 years' rigorous imprisonment for the alleged sexual as...

Judgment

Read the full judgment on the official India Courts portal.

Read on Indian Kanoon

Source: Indian Kanoon (ik-187027711)