BENGALURU: The high court has directed the Shivamogga district hospital to ensure safe delivery and postpartum care for a minor rape survivor who is 34 weeks pregnant.Justice Alok Aradhe also said if the girl or her family inform the competent authority of their unwillingness to keep the child, arrangement should be made for adoption by involving the central adoption resource authority or other departments concerned. All the expenses incurred for the process will be borne by the department of health and family welfare.The judge instructed the authorities to ensure the girl continues her eduction. The District Legal Services Authority has been asked to release Rs 3 lakh to the petitioner in three weeks upon her completing required formalities under the Karnataka Victims Compensation Scheme. The DC has also been asked to release Rs 75,000 to the survivor.The girl was sexually assaulted in April last year. However, out of fear, she did not disclose this to anyone. In November, she complained of stomach pain and the doctors found that she was carrying a 23-week foetus. Later, a criminal case was booked against the accused under IPC sections and Pocso Act.The hospital declined the parents’ request for medical termination of pregnancy as it was over 20 weeks. When she approached the high court, a direction was issued for medical examination of the girl by a board of doctors. The board opined that in view of advanced stage of pregnancy, doing MTP procedure would be dangerous for the mother’s health.

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