Authority: High Court of Karnataka at Bengaluru

Order Date: 29 July 2026

Case Overview

  • Parties: Appellant – a minor (unnamed) represented by her mother, Smt. Nandini S N; Respondents – State of Karnataka (via State Public Prosecutor), Cheluvamba Hospital MMCRI, Child Welfare Committee Mysuru, District Legal Services Authority Mysuru, District Child Protection Unit.
  • Nature of proceeding: Writ appeal (No. 1719 of 2026, GM‑RES) filed under Section 4 of the Karnataka High Court Act, 1961 seeking a medical termination of pregnancy for the minor.
  • Key dates: Impugned order dated 03/07/2026; appeal heard and judgment delivered on 29/07/2026.
  • Allegations/Issues: The minor, aged about 46 years (mother’s age), is pregnant at an advanced stage (30 weeks 6 days) and wishes to terminate the pregnancy; concerns about health risks were raised.
  • Observations: Both the minor and her mother expressed a clear desire to proceed with termination and were aware of consequences. The medical report from K.C. General Hospital, Malleshwaram, Bengaluru confirmed gestation of 30 weeks 6 days, with hemoglobin 10.6 g/dL (slightly low) and no serious health concerns contraindicating termination.

Final Outcome

  • The Court granted the prayers in the writ appeal.
  • Directed the Chief Medical Officer of Vanivilas Hospital, Bengaluru, to conduct the medical termination of the minor’s pregnancy within one week, ensuring all medical precautions.
  • Required the mother to provide a written undertaking/consent for the procedure.
  • Stipulated that if the baby is born alive, the State and hospital authorities must provide appropriate medical care in accordance with law.
  • Ordered Respondent No.3 (Child Welfare Committee) to extend necessary assistance and financial relief under Rule 8 of the POCSO Rules, 2020 to the victim.
  • Registry instructed to communicate the order immediately to the Chief Medical Officer, Vanivilas Hospital.
  • The writ appeal is closed; any pending applications are disposed of.

Topics: Medical Termination, Child Welfare, Court Order