The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court independently reconsidered a death sentence imposed in a case involving allegations of aggravated penetrative sexual assault against minors. In State of Tamil Nadu v. Chandran, the Court examined the prosecution evidence with particular care because confirmation of a death sentence requires independent judicial scrutiny. The Court identified deficiencies relating to identification of the accused, medical evidence, inconsistencies concerning dates and the circumstances surrounding the complaint. It emphasised that identification is a foundational fact and that the prosecution must establish the accused's identity through legally reliable evidence. The Court also examined whether the medical evidence sufficiently supported the prosecution's version and found significant deficiencies when the evidence was considered as a whole. Since the prosecution was required to prove the case beyond reasonable doubt, the cumulative deficiencies created doubt regarding the prosecution case. The High Court therefore set aside the conviction and death sentence and acquitted the accused. The judgment highlights the standard of proof, identification evidence, medical evidence, independent scrutiny in death-reference proceedings and evidentiary requirements under the POCSO Act.