Tripura High Court: S. Talapatra, J., in his own words, departed from Section 3(2)(b) of the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1971 and allowed termination of 20-weeks pregnancy of a 12-year old rape victim.
The present matter was concerned with the question of allowing the termination of pregnancy of the victim child. Dr Mamata Pradhan, Chairperson of the Medical Board constituted by the Court clarified that termination of pregnancy of 20 weeks bears the serious risk, but it could be done and for that reason, the guardian of the victim girl had to give a qualified consent on fully understanding the consequences and risks involved in such termination.
After elaborate consultations with Dr Pradhan, victim’s mother (her guardian) informed the Court that there is no alternative but to get the pregnancy terminated. A. Bhowmik, Advocate for the petitioners submitted that the court may pass appropriate orders having regard to Supreme Court decision in Sarmishtha Chakraborty v. Union of India, (2018) 13 SCC 339 wherein reproductive choice was recognised to be an inseparable part of personal liberty protected under Article 21.
Having regard to such a situation, the High Court directed Dr Pradhan and her team to commence the procedure of termination of pregnancy of the victim. The Court observed, “Having considered the injury that might torment the mental health of this young girl, this Court has taken the undertaking made by the mother seriously. In the circumstance, the foetus be terminated forthwith, making a departure from Section 3(2)(b) of the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1971 for responding to the necessity created by human emergency.” The Court also recorded appreciation for B. Choudhary, Public Prosecutor and D. Sarma, Additional Government Advocate for their contribution. The matter was disposed of in the terms above. [Jhuma Roy v. State of Tripura, 2019 SCC OnLine Tri 80, Order dated 08-03-2019]
