SC order on termination of pregnancy as parents of minor rape victim change mind

The Supreme Court, on April 29, recalled its earlier order permitting a 14-year-old rape survivor to undergo medical termination of her 30-week pregnancy after her parents changed their minds. The decision was taken after the parents expressed their wish to keep the pregnancy, citing the security and well-being of the minor girl.

The bench, comprising Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud and justices J.B. Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, interacted with the parents and their counsel via video-conferencing. The court observed that the welfare of the minor was of paramount importance, and therefore recalled its earlier order. Earlier, on April 22, the Supreme Court had permitted the termination of the pregnancy, exercising its powers under Article 142 of the Constitution.