Madras HC: Victim's credible testimony sufficient for rape conviction without external injuries

The Madras High Court affirmed that a rape conviction can stand solely on a victim's credible testimony, corroborative circumstances, and medical evidence even when external injuries are absent. A division bench comprising Justices N. Sathish Kumar and K. Rajasekar held that victim testimony inspires confidence when it is natural, consistent, and trustworthy.

In the case, the victim was allegedly taken to a forest area by an accused relative and sexually assaulted. She was later found weeping at a bus stand by her husband and lodged a complaint the next day. The court modified the conviction from Section 376(2)(f) to Section 376(1) IPC, set aside the conviction under Section 354A(2) IPC, and maintained the conviction under Section 366 IPC.

The judgment affirms that the absence of physical injuries does not undermine the evidentiary value of a victim's testimony when it is corroborated by circumstantial evidence and the court finds it credible and reliable.