Orissa HC Refuses Termination Of A Mentally-Challenged Rape Survivor's Pregnancy; Issues Slew Of Directions For State Govt. To Handle Similar Cases [Read Order]

The Orissa High Court on Wednesday (23rd September) refused to allow the termination of the pregnancy of a physically and mentally-challenged rape survivor.The Single Bench of Justice Biswanath Rath was hearing the plea of a mother seeking permission for terminating the pregnancy of an unmarried, physically handicapped and mentally retarded daughter a rape victim under the provisions of The Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1971, The Medical Termination of Pregnancy Rules, 2003, and The Medical Termination of Pregnancy Regulations, 2003.The Court, while taking into account the restrictions in the Act, 1971 and suggestions of the Doctors found that the termination of pregnancy of the victim will put the life of the victim in danger.Therefore, the Court declined to give the relief of medical termination of the unwanted and unsolicited pregnancy of more than 24 weeks.Further, the Court held the State responsible for the plight of the victim and therefore, directed the State Government to pay as an immediate measure, a sum of Rs 5 lakh by way of ex-gratia within seven days to the girl's mother (to be kept in long term Fixed Deposit in any Nationalized Bank in the name of victim).The Court took into account the factual position of the matter and settled legal position, and while declining termination of pregnancy for the complications involved in the case, the Court observed, "The pregnancy on the victim is forced one and it being contrary to her choice. The victim has been forced not only to carry an unwanted pregnancy but is also forced to give birth to the child against her will. No doubt she will carry a stigma and humiliation for the rest part of life for the offspring born as a result of ghastly recurrence of rape committed on her along with stigma and humiliation on the child and in case it is a female child, looking to the complex society, it is still worse."Further, the Court said,"Situation involved here compelled this Court to give a comprehensive thought to give absolute protection not only to the victim but also to the child to give birth so also to support the mother of the victim a wife of a poor labourer, who has come forwarded to take care of the victim. This Court also observes, in the event the mother faces any difficulty, may redress on such aspect to the District Administration, who shall be duty-bound to take care of the request as far as practicable."Specific Directions Given by the Court1- The state government would grant a sum of ₹ 3 lakh if the 22-year-old woman delivers a male child and ₹ 5 lakh if she gives birth to a female child. The amount will be kept in Fixed Deposit in any nationalized Bank2. Amount granted by way of ex gratia shall however be in addition to the grant of any payment to the victim and the child on the application of The Victim Compensation Scheme under the provisions of Section 357-A of the Code of Criminal Procedure decided by trial Court or any other authority competent to do so.3- Considering the mental condition of the victim and financial condition of the family, utmost care of the victim is to be taken in continuation of her pregnancy. The best medical facility be made available so as to ensure proper care and supervision during the period of pregnancy as well as postnatal care.4- Looking to the mental retardedness along with physical handicapness in the victim, there may be periodical check-up of the victim by a Psychiatric Expert and other related doctors.5- The entire transport, medical and medicinal expenses including accommodation of the victim and her mother, if necessary during treatment, shall be the responsibility of the District Administration.6- The entire education of the child will be the responsibility of the State7- The child to be born shall be given proper treatment and nutrition by the State and if any medical aid is necessary it shall also be provided to him/her by the State at least till the child is sufficiently grown-up. General Directions Given by the Court1- Once an incident of rape; be it on a minor, minor and mentally retarded, minor and physically handicapped, unmarried major, married major, mentally retarded major and physically handicapped major is made to Police within eight weeks period, the Police and the C.D.M.O will take consent of the guardian-mother in case of minor, minor and mentally retarded, minor and physically handicapped as to whether they are interested to continue with the pregnancy or interested in termination?In case of major and physically handicapped, consent of such victim and in case major but mentally retarded, consent of mother of such victim shall be taken within the same time as to whether the victim should continue with the pregnancy or interested in termination.This Court here clarifies, in case there is no interest shown for continuing with the pregnancy, immediately after the 1st report of Committee the local Chief District Medical Officer should undertake the...

Orissa HC Refuses Termination Of A Mentally-Challenged Rape Survivor's Pregnancy; Issues Slew Of Directions For State Govt. To Handle Similar Cases [Read Order]

Sparsh Upadhyay

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