Appellate Power to Alter Conviction to IPC Section 376 When POCSO Age Proof Fails

sketch of the Supreme Court of India
Case
PYNCHEMALANGAKI BAREH v. STATE OF MEGHALAYA (Supreme Court of India, 10-09-2026)
Law
Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, Indian Penal Code, Code of Criminal Procedure.

Highlights of the Judgment:

  • Analysis of mandatory age determination requirements under Section 94 of the Juvenile Justice Act in POCSO proceedings.
  • Evaluation of whether a church Baptismal Certificate constitutes admissible primary proof of age.
  • Scope of appellate powers under Sections 386 and 464 of the CrPC to alter convictions to Section 376 IPC.
  • Legal parameters for convicting an accused of a cognate offense absent a formal charge without causing failure of justice.