GUWAHATI: The Gauhati High Court directed the Secretary of the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) on Thursday, December 19, to counsel the parents of a minor girl who was allowed to terminate her 26-week pregnancy after being allegedly gang-raped.
ALSO READ: Guwahati Cyber PS Recovers ₹3.64 Lakh In Digital Arrest Scam
A division bench comprising Justice Kalyan Rai Surana and Justice Susmita Phukan Khaund further instructed the Child Protection Committee and other concerned authorities to provide the girl with continuous medical and counselling support as deemed necessary.
During the proceedings, the court was informed by the Amicus Curiae about the parents’ reluctance to bring their daughter back home, citing concerns over its potential negative impact on her.
Addressing this, the court observed that abandoning a child in need of care and protection is not legally permissible. It emphasised that institutionalising the girl may not serve her best interests and directed a para-legal volunteer under the DLSA to undertake counselling sessions with the parents.
Earlier, on December 9, the court had permitted the medical termination of the minor’s pregnancy, noting it was in her best interest. Following the procedure conducted on December 14, a status report submitted by the District Child Protection Officer (DCPO) detailed the steps taken to ensure the girl’s well-being.
The survivor also received pre-termination counselling, and post-procedure, officials from the District Child Protection Unit and Child Helpline monitored her condition. The girl was discharged after a few days with medical advice for follow-up care.
The discharge certificate further indicated that the aborted foetus was handed over to the police on December 14 for forensic examination. Given the mother’s bedridden condition and inability to care for her daughter, the girl was placed in a shelter home for proper care and protection.
Additionally, the court sought an updated report on the girl’s health condition at the next listing, scheduled for January 29, 2025.
