LUCKNOW, July 15 -- Observing that it has become "very common" to level serious allegations, including of sexual abuse of children against family members, over petty disputes or to grab their property, the Lucknow bench of the Allahabad high court recently acquitted a man who was accused of raping his minor cousin and was lodged in jail for over nine years.

He was convicted by the trial court under Section 376 (rape) of Indian Penal Code (IPC) and provisions of Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act in 2020.

Justice Subhash Vidyarthi acquitted Ram Sanehi of Hardoi district on July 10.

Allowing his appeal, the high court set aside the trial court's judgement and directed that he be released forthwith.

"The courts canno...