State of Maharashtra vs Laxman Lahu Aawate — 19/2024

Case Summary: State of Maharashtra v. Laxman Lahu Aavate (Case 19/2024) Court Decision: Laxman Lahu Aavate was acquitted of all charges under IPC Section 376(2)(n) (rape of a minor) and POCSO Act Sections 4(2) and 12. Key Reasoning: The court found that the prosecution failed to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt. Despite the victim being 14 years old and allegedly pregnant, key prosecution witnesses—including the victim and her parents—testified they had a consensual love relationship with intent to marry, not sexual abuse. Crucially, medical doctors who could verify pregnancy were never examined, and the victim never testified to non-consensual physical intimacy. The court concluded insufficient evidence existed to establish the accused knowingly committed sexual intercourse with a minor. This case analysis is maintained by casestatus.in based on publicly available court records.