In Brief
The Supreme Court upheld the conviction of two appellants for child trafficking and sexual exploitation under the IPC and ITPA, 1956. A minor victim was forcibly taken to the appellants' rented premises and coerced into prostitution. She was rescued during a police raid conducted on credible NGO information. The appellants challenged the victim's testimony, claiming minor contradictions and procedural irregularities in the search. The Court held that a credible minor victim's testimony in sex trafficking cases can sustain conviction without corroboration when appreciated sensitively, considering her socio-economic vulnerability. Age was determined via school certificate rather than medical ossification tests, following statutory rules. Minor procedural deviations in search procedures under ITPA do not vitiate the trial unless they cause failure of justice. The appeal was dismissed.
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