SC notices to Centre, Haryana on minor rape victim’s plea for termination of pregnancy

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, March 2

A 14-year-old minor girl from Haryana has moved the Supreme Court seeking permission to terminate her 26-week pregnancy.

She alleged that she was raped by her cousin which led to the unwanted pregnancy. She has moved the top court in view of Section 3 of the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1971 which prohibits termination of pregnancy beyond 20 weeks.

A Bench headed by Chief Justice of India SA Bobde on Tuesday asked the medical board of Civil Hospital, Karnal, to examine the rape victim and submit its report on the feasibility of termination of foetus.

The Bench also issued notices to the Centre and the Haryana government seeking their replies to her petition by March 5, the next date of hearing.

“Medical Board – District Civil Hospital, Karnal, may examine the girl and submit its report about the feasibility of her request for termination of pregnancy,” the top court said.

Earlier, her counsel VK Biju said the medical board should be directed to immediately look into the matter as the pregnancy was in the 26th week.