The Supreme Court has dismissed the Union government’s review petition challenging its earlier order that permitted a 15-year-old girl to terminate her seven-month pregnancy.
The minor had approached the top court seeking permission for termination. On April 24, the court allowed the procedure, observing that compelling a woman to continue a pregnancy against her will would disregard her welfare. It directed that the termination be carried out at AIIMS with appropriate medical supervision and safety protocols.
In its review plea, the Centre argued that termination beyond 30 weeks could be risky for both the girl and the foetus, and suggested that the child could be delivered and given up for adoption.
Hearing the matter, a bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi said there should be no time limit for terminating pregnancies resulting from sexual assault. The judges stressed that laws must keep pace with changing times and that individual choice must be respected.
The bench said the government had no right to intervene in the decision, which rests with the affected minor and her family. It also asked the Centre to assist the girl through mental health counselling, while rejecting the review petition considering her mental state and future.
