Credible prosecutrix testimony can sustain rape conviction when supported by medical evidence and proved birth records show minority.

A proved birth record and supporting hospital evidence established that the prosecutrix was below 16 years of age on the date of the incident, and the radiological estimate was treated as only approximate and insufficient to displace that record. On the rape charge, the court applied the principle that a credible and reliable prosecutrix may be convicted on her solitary testimony without mandatory corroboration; her evidence was found trustworthy and was supported by medical evidence consistent with intercourse. The concurrent findings below were left undisturbed, and the conviction and sentence for rape were affirmed.

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Issues: (i) Whether the prosecutrix was below 16 years of age on the date of the incident; (ii) whether the conviction for rape could be sustained on the basis of the prosecutrix's testimony and the supporting medical evidence.

Issue (i): Whether the prosecutrix was below 16 years of age on the date of the incident.

Analysis: The age issue was resolved by examining the birth record, hospital testimony, and radiological opinion. The birth certificate and supporting hospital evidence established the date of birth as 2.9.1974, while the defence document related to a different child. The radiological estimate was only approximate and could not displace the proved birth record.

Conclusion: The prosecutrix was below 16 years of age on the date of the incident.

Issue (ii): Whether the conviction for rape could be sustained on the basis of the prosecutrix's testimony and the supporting medical evidence.

Analysis: The law applied was that the testimony of a prosecutrix, if found credible and reliable, can form the sole basis of conviction and does not require corroboration as a matter of rule. Her evidence in the present case was found trustworthy and was supported by medical evidence showing signs consistent with intercourse. The surrounding circumstances and the record did not justify interference with the concurrent factual findings of the courts below.

Conclusion: The conviction for rape was sustainable and required no interference.

Final Conclusion: The appeals were devoid of merit, and the conviction and sentence for rape were affirmed.

Ratio Decidendi: In a prosecution for rape, a credible and reliable prosecutrix may be convicted on her solitary testimony, and where the proved birth record establishes minority, the conviction for rape of a minor will not be disturbed in the absence of compelling grounds.

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