Sunderlal v. State of M.P.
Chhattisgarh High CourtMANU/CG/0336/2016Bench: J. Sanjay K. Agrawal
The Chhattisgarh High Court issued comprehensive directives: (1) Where a minor POCSO victim is pregnant, immediate medical examination must be ordered. (2) The POCSO Special Court has inherent jurisdiction to allow termination of pregnancy of a minor rape victim without waiting for civil court proceedings. (3) The victim's informed consent (through guardians for minors) must be obtained. (4) The termination must be conducted at a government-recognised facility. (5) The foetal tissue must be preserved for DNA evidence. (6) The cost of the medical procedure must be borne by the State. (7) Psychological counselling must accompany the procedure. These directions were issued as part of the POCSO court's protective jurisdiction over child victims.