The Supreme Court criticized the government for its request to overturn an earlier order to end the 31-week pregnancy of a 15-year-old who had been raped. This ruling could be a significant moment in the fight for women’s rights to control their bodies. The court insisted that the government respect the choices of the girl and her family.
Supreme Court urge centre to “Change Your Law”
The court also called on the government to change the laws that impose strict timelines in such cases. “When there is a pregnancy due to rape, there should not be a time limit. The law needs to be adaptable and fit with evolving times,” the court said.
“Nothing can compensate for the agony she has suffered after the rape,” Chief Justice Surya Kant said this morning as he challenged Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati. “Respect citizens, madam,” the court advised the government. “You have no right to challenge the court’s termination order. Only the victim or her family can do that.”
What’s about Teen Pregnancy Termination?
“We honor individual choices, and you should too,” Justice Joymalya Bagchi remarked, reprimanding the government for pursuing its request. “Provide information about potential health issues to the parents. If they decide to keep the fetus, then that is their choice.
“Let us not turn this into a conflict between the state and its citizens. Involve a psychiatrist and a counselor to assist the girl and her family. We should not decide for people who can make their own choices.”
This criticism came after Bhati argued that terminating the pregnancy was not possible at this stage. She claimed the only choice for the girl was to give birth and place the child for adoption.
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