Lucknow Bench Directs KGMU to Perform Abortion For 21-Week Pregnant Minor Victim

The Lucknow Bench of the Allahabad High Court has granted permission to a minor girl from Hardoi district to undergo a medical termination of pregnancy and directed that the procedure be conducted at government expense. The court also issued instructions to ensure the victim's safety and preserve evidence required for the ongoing criminal investigation linked to the case.

The order was passed on June 4 by a division bench comprising Justice Rajesh Singh Chauhan and Justice Divesh Chandra Samant. The plea was filed through the victim's father, seeking approval for the abortion and requesting that all associated medical costs be borne by the state. After reviewing the medical report and facts presented before it, the court approved the request.

According to the petition, the minor was allegedly lured and abducted by the accused, during which she became pregnant. Medical reports submitted before the court showed that the victim was 21 weeks and two days pregnant. A criminal case has been registered in Hardoi against the accused on charges related to abduction and establishing physical relations under the promise of marriage.

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The court directed the chief medical officer of Hardoi to arrange a government ambulance to transport the victim and her parents to the Gandhi Memorial and Associated Hospital of King George's Medical University (KGMU) in Lucknow. Officials were instructed to ensure her arrival at the hospital by 11 a.m. on June 6 and to facilitate her safe return after the medical procedure.

In addition, the Superintendent of Police, Hardoi, was directed to deploy a woman constable to accompany the victim throughout the process. The court ordered that a fetal sample be collected and sent for DNA testing, observing that the forensic report would constitute crucial evidence in the criminal proceedings against the accused.

The High Court has fixed July 15 as the next date of hearing in the matter. It also instructed KGMU's counsel to submit a detailed report on the medical procedure and related developments. The case underscores the court's effort to protect the rights and health of the minor while ensuring that critical evidence is preserved for the ongoing investigation.

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