Sharply criticising an Allahabad High Court (HC) ruling that had downplayed the seriousness of an assault on an 11-year-old girl, the Supreme Court on Monday delivered a strong message on the need for sensitivity in cases involving sexual violence against minors. The apex court, which initiated suo motu proceedings against the 17 March 2025 judgment, says the High Court’s conclusions were untenable and required immediate intervention to ensure justice for the child. A bench led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant, sitting with Justice Joymalya Bagchi, made it clear that the High Court’s reasoning could not be allowed to stand. The court suspended the operation of the order and says the criminal trial must go forward without interruption. “We will set aside the HC order and let

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