Cases under the POCSO Act often appear straightforward on the surface, but in reality they involve careful examination of facts, medical science, and legal principles. Many people believe that once an allegation is made under POCSO, conviction is automatic. This is not true. Courts are required to examine evidence calmly and fairly, keeping in mind both the protection of children and the rights of the accused. This article explains, in very simple terms, how courts actually decide POCSO cases and why evidence, medical reports, and consistency of statements matter so much.   What Is the POCSO Act and Why Is It So Strict? The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 (POCSO Act) is a special law made to protect children from sexual abuse. Because children are vulnerable, the law is strict and punishment is severe. But even under a strict law like POCSO, courts must still follow one basic rule of criminal law: No one can be punished unless the offence is proved beyond reasonable doubt. This means allegations alone are not enough. Courts need clear, reliable evidence.   Can Someone Be Convicted Only on the Child’s Statement? Yes, it is legally possible. Courts have said many times that the sole testimony of a child victim can be enough to convict an accused. But this is true only when the statement: Is clear and consistent, Does not change at different stages, Does not contain major contradictions. If the child’s statement has serious gaps or changes, courts become cautious and look for support from other evidence.   Why Medical Evidence Is Important in POCSO Cases In cases where penetrative sexual assault is alleged, medical examination becomes very important. Doctors usually check: Whether there are injuries, Whether there are internal wounds or bruises, The condition of the hymen, Signs of recent sexual activity. Medical evidence does not decide the case by itself, but it helps the court understand whether the allegation matches medical science.   Does Absence of Injury Mean No Sexual Assault? Not always. Courts have clearly said that absence of injuries does not automatically mean that no sexual assault happened. Every case is different. However, courts look at: The age of the child, The type of act alleged, The medical opinion about expected injuries. If a doctor clearly says that injuries would normally be expected in such a case, and none are found, this creates doubt.   What Does “Sexual Assault Cannot Be Ruled Out” Mean? Many people misunderstand this medical sentence. When a doctor says: “Sexual assault cannot be ruled out”, it only means possibility, not proof. In criminal law: Possibility is not enough, Suspicion is not enough, The court needs proof. A weak or uncertain medical opinion cannot be used to fill gaps in the prosecution case.   Why Consistency in Statements Matters Children may forget small details, and courts understand that. Minor mistakes are ignored. But serious changes in the story are a problem. For example: Important facts missing in the first statement, New allegations added later during trial. Such changes reduce the reliability of the testimony and affect the case.   What Is the “Benefit of Doubt”? The benefit of doubt means that if the court is not fully sure about the guilt of the accused, the accused must be acquitted. This rule exists to protect innocent people from wrongful punishment. It applies to all criminal cases, including POCSO cases. Courts try to balance: Protection of children, and Fairness to the accused.   Bombay High Court Case Used as an Example These legal principles were recently applied by the Bombay High Court in Ashish v. State of Maharashtra (decided on 09 January 2026). In that case: The prosecution mainly relied on the statement of the child, The father who filed the complaint was not an eye-witness, Medical examination showed only an old healed hymenal tear, There were no fresh injuries or internal wounds, The doctor admitted that such a tear could occur due to non-sexual reasons. Because the medical evidence did not support the allegation and there were serious doubts, the Court gave the benefit of doubt and acquitted the accused.   What We Learn from This for POCSO Cases This judgment helps everyone understand that: POCSO law is strict, but proof must also be strong, Courts will carefully examine medical reports, Conviction cannot be based on assumptions or emotions, Fair trial and justice are important for everyone.   Conclusion POCSO cases are sensitive and serious. While children must be protected at all costs, courts must also ensure that no person is punished without proper proof. Understanding how evidence, medical reports, and benefit of doubt work helps common people and students see how justice is actually delivered in courts.