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Crime
Chhattisgarh High Court Permits 25‑Week Termination for Minor Rape Survivor
✍️ Live Law
🗓 31 Jul 2026, 05:12 AM
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In a landmark ruling, the Chhattisgarh High Court has allowed a minor who survived rape to terminate her pregnancy up to 25 weeks, citing sonographic evidence.
The Chhattisgarh High Court has granted a 25‑week pregnancy termination to a minor rape survivor, a decision that underscores the court’s willingness to protect the rights of vulnerable victims. The case involved a young girl who was raped and became pregnant, and her family sought legal recourse to terminate the pregnancy.
In its judgment, the court relied on sonographic evidence that confirmed the pregnancy was within the 25‑week limit. The court also cited provisions of the Indian Penal Code and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, emphasizing that the minor’s safety and well‑being were paramount.
Legal experts note that this ruling could set a precedent for similar cases across India, ensuring that minors who are victims of sexual violence are not forced to carry pregnancies to term against their wishes.
The court directed that the termination be carried out by a qualified medical professional within the stipulated timeframe, and it warned that any attempt to delay the procedure could be deemed unlawful.
In its judgment, the court relied on sonographic evidence that confirmed the pregnancy was within the 25‑week limit. The court also cited provisions of the Indian Penal Code and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, emphasizing that the minor’s safety and well‑being were paramount.
Legal experts note that this ruling could set a precedent for similar cases across India, ensuring that minors who are victims of sexual violence are not forced to carry pregnancies to term against their wishes.
The court directed that the termination be carried out by a qualified medical professional within the stipulated timeframe, and it warned that any attempt to delay the procedure could be deemed unlawful.