Jammu and Kashmir High Court Permits Abortion for Eleven-Year-Old Assault Survivor

Court Ruling

The Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh High Court permitted an eleven-year-old girl to end her pregnancy, ruling that strict statutory limits cannot deny constitutional protection to a minor. Justice Wasim Sadiq Nargal directed authorities to arrange the procedure immediately after noting that the pregnancy had reached twenty-four weeks and two days by the judgment date.

Medical Findings

A medical board examined the child on September eleventh and confirmed she was physically and mentally fit for the procedure. Doctors stated the surgery was medically possible despite higher risks of bleeding, infection, and the need for blood transfusions. The court noted the time delay happened because of the medical assessment and court process, not due to any fault of the petitioner.

Directives Issued

The court instructed the medical superintendent at the Government Medical College in Baramulla to make all necessary arrangements quickly. The child's mother or lawful guardian must stay with her during the procedure, and she will receive mental health counselling. Because the accused person remains free, the court ordered authorities to save foetal tissue for DNA profiling to help the ongoing police investigation.