The Supreme Court on Monday granted permission for a 14-year-old alleged rape survivor to undergo medical termination of her almost 30-week pregnancy.
Art 142
Utilizing its authority under Article 142 of the Constitution, which allows it to issue any necessary orders to achieve complete justice in any case, a bench led by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud instructed the dean of the Lokmanya Tilak Municipal Medical College and General Hospital (LTMGH) at Sion in Mumbai to immediately assemble a team of doctors for the termination procedure.
Bombay High Court
The court also overturned the Bombay High Court’s decision rejecting the plea filed by the minor’s father for the medical termination of her pregnancy.
On April 19, the apex court had ordered a medical examination of the minor, requesting a report from Mumbai’s Sion hospital regarding the girl’s potential physical and psychological condition if she undergoes medical termination of pregnancy or if it is advised against.
MTP Act
According to the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act, termination of pregnancy is limited to 24 weeks for married women and those in special categories, including rape survivors, as well as other vulnerable women such as those who are differently abled and minors.
