Minor Raped By Her Father Allowed To Terminate 27-Week Pregnancy

Ahmedabad: The Gujarat High Court on Wednesday allowed the termination of a nearly 27-week pregnancy of a 12-year-old girl, who was allegedly raped by her father in a heinous crime.

While delivering his verdict, Justice Samir Dave took into account the report submitted by the medical superintendent (MS) of Vadodara-based Sir Sayajirao Gaekwad Hospital. On September 4, the MS directed a medical examination of the victim by a panel of doctors, reported PTI.

“The petition is allowed. Respondent number 3 is directed to terminate the pregnancy of the victim girl within a period of one week from today,” stated the order, noting the report stated that the foetus was nearly 27 weeks old.

The hospital was asked to preserve DNA of the foetus, as requested by the petitioner.

The Dediapada police station was directed to take the victim for medical termination of pregnancy at the Vadodara hospital.

The high court also directed the state government to pay compensation of Rs 2.5 lakh to the victim, of which Rs 50,000 was to be paid immediately while Rs 2 lakh has to be deposited in her name and interest accrued on fixed deposit paid to her until she turns 21.

The deposit amount should be paid to the victim when she turns 21, the high court said.

Two days after the victim’s father was arrested by police for allegedly raping and impregnating the girl, her mother had approached the high court for permission to terminate her daughter’s pregnancy.

The petitioner’s lawyer had sought an urgent hearing on the matter.