Manoj vs State

ik-66271432 Delhi High Court 25 February 2026 • 21 min read

Judges (1)

Chandrasekharan Sudha Delivered

Counsel (7)

DHCLSC Firm Anindya Malhotra Counsel Respondent Azhar Qayum Counsel Appellant Ishita Sehrawat Counsel Respondent Rohan J. Alva Counsel Appellant Shaurya Lamba Counsel Respondent Utkarsh Counsel Respondent

Parties (4)

State Respondent State (NCT) of Delhi Respondent Manoj Appellant Mukesh Appellant

Case Significance

Manoj vs State is a Delhi High Court decision dated February 25, 2026 (citation: ik-66271432). Two accused appealed their conviction under Sections 376/366/344 IPC for allegedly kidnapping and repeatedly raping the prosecutrix over several days. The court found serious doubts about the prosecution's case as the prosecutrix admitted being taken out several times including to a doctor and gave birth to a child, yet never raised an alarm or attempted escape, and her testimony contained significant improvements from her original complaint. The appeals were allowed, the convictions were set The case was heard by Justice Chandrasekharan Sudha. Counsel appearing: Anindya Malhotra (counsel for respondent), Azhar Qayum (counsel for appellant), Ishita Sehrawat (counsel for respondent), Rohan J. Alva (counsel for appellant), Shaurya Lamba (counsel for respondent), Utkarsh (counsel for respondent).

Summary

Two accused appealed their conviction under Sections 376/366/344 IPC for allegedly kidnapping and repeatedly raping the prosecutrix over several days. The court found serious doubts about the prosecution's case as the prosecutrix admitted being taken out several times including to a doctor and gave birth to a child, yet never raised an alarm or attempted escape, and her testimony contained significant improvements from her original complaint. The appeals were allowed, the convictions were set aside, and both accused were acquitted on benefit of doubt.

What was the outcome of Manoj vs State?

Two accused appealed their conviction under Sections 376/366/344 IPC for allegedly kidnapping and repeatedly raping the prosecutrix over several days. The court found serious doubts about the prosecut...

Judgment

Read the full judgment on the official India Courts portal.

Read on Indian Kanoon

Source: Indian Kanoon (ik-66271432)