“At the outset, we must note the perspective from which the evidence of a child witness is to be considered. The caution expressed by this Court in Suryanarayana v. State of Karnataka, (2001) 9 SCC 129 that, “corroboration of the testimony of a child witness is not a rule but a measure of caution and prudence” is a well-accepted principle. In Suryanarayana, after setting out the guiding principles for appreciation and consideration of the evidence of a child witness, this Court had found, there were no doubts at all with regard to the veracity to the testimony of the child witness, nor were there any inherent defects. However, such doubts and defects are quite evident in the present matter.”

– Hon’ble Justice U.U. Lalit, Hari Om v. State of U.P., [Criminal Appeal No. 1256 of 2017].