Overview
- Justice B.V. Nagarathna’s bench closed the contempt case on Monday after the government’s lawyer confirmed AIIMS had carried out the court-ordered termination and the minor was fit for discharge, with the newborn in intensive care.
- AIIMS induced labor over the weekend and the 15-year-old delivered a premature baby who was admitted to the neonatal ICU, with medical reports in court noting an estimated 80% chance of survival and possible disabilities.
- A two-judge bench on April 24 allowed termination at roughly 30 weeks despite an adverse AIIMS medical board opinion, and a Chief Justice-led bench later refused to reopen the matter, saying an individual’s choice outweighs an institution’s view.
- Senior judges urged Parliament to relax or remove the 24-week limit in the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act for minor rape survivors, reinforcing rulings that require medical boards to weigh mental trauma and life prospects, not just gestational age.
- Hospital officials said the girl and her parents relinquished parental rights, and the formal adoption process for the newborn has begun through the central agency.