The Allahabad High Court has initiated a suo motu public interest litigation to examine delays in handling cases involving termination of pregnancy of rape survivors, flagging procedural lapses that often stand in the way of timely medical care.
In a significant move, the Allahabad High Court has registered a suo motu PIL to address delays at multiple levels in processing requests for termination of pregnancy in cases involving sexual assault survivors. The court noted that procedural bottlenecks frequently obstruct urgent medical intervention, adding to the trauma faced by survivors.
The case, titled “In Re Framing Of Guidelines For Sensitizing All Concerned In Cases Of Termination Of Pregnancies,” was taken up by a division bench comprising Justices Manoj Kumar Gupta and Arun Kumar. The order directing registration of the PIL was passed in September.
Observing the need for systemic reform, the bench underlined that delays in decision-making and lack of sensitivity among authorities can have serious consequences for survivors seeking medical relief within legally permissible timelines.
To assist the court, advocate Mahima Maurya has been appointed as Amicus Curiae. On November 27, Maurya, along with Additional Chief Standing Counsel Rajiv Gupta appearing for the state, placed submissions before the court and offered several suggestions aimed at sensitising authorities and streamlining the process.
The High Court is now expected to examine these suggestions closely as it considers framing comprehensive guidelines to ensure prompt and sensitive handling of such cases. The matter has been listed for further hearing on January 13, when the court will continue deliberations on the proposed measures.
