Nainital, Oct 28 (PTI) The Uttarakhand High Court has expressed strong displeasure over the decision of a lower court to convict an accused in a POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) case without evidence and ordered his release on bail.

A division bench comprising Chief Justice G Narender and Justice Alok Mahara, while hearing an appeal by the accused, Rampal, said it was not a case of insufficient evidence but an absence of evidence.

Rampal, a resident of Jakhole village in Uttarkashi district, was arrested in January 2022 for allegedly luring and sexually assaulting a minor girl.

On January 18, 2024, the special sessions judge in Uttarkashi convicted him under Section 376 of the Indian Penal Code and relevant sections of the POCSO Act, and sentenced him to 20 years' imp

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