SC nod to abort 14-year-old rape survivor's 29-week pregnancy

THE Supreme Court, in its order on Monday, allowed the petition filed by the mother of a minor 14-year-old rape victim, seeking direction to undergo medical termination of her 29week pregnancy.

- SUCHITRA KALYAN MOHANTY

The court noted it as an exceptional case, stating that continuing the pregnancy may harm the physical and mental health of the young girl.

"This is a very, very exceptional case where we have to protect children," a bench led by CJI DY Chandrachud stated in its order.

While permitting the medical termination of the minor girl, the apex court noted her age, the rape case, and the exceptional circumstances, and thereby passed certain orders in this regard.

Setting aside the Bombay HC order, the top Court directed the dean at Lokmanya Tilak municipal general hospital to constitute a team to carry out the medical termination of pregnancy of the minor for whom a medical report was submitted.