New Delhi, March 20 -- The Allahabad High Court recently altered the charges against two "rape" accused, calling their crime not attempt to rape but "aggravated sexual assault". The court was hearing a case against Pawan and Akash, who had allegedly grabbed a minor's breast and broke her pyjama's string.

The accused were initially summoned to face trial under Section 376 IPC (Rape) and Section 18 of the POCSO Act. However, the high court, instead, directed that the accused be tried under the minor charge of Section 354-B IPC (assault or use of criminal force with intent to disrobe) read with Sections 9/10 of the POCSO Act (aggravated sexual assault).

The Allahabad High Court observed that grabbing the breasts of the victim, breaking the...