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Journalism of Courage
A DAY after Gujarat High Court judge Justice Samir Dave summoned a man accused of raping a minor to ascertain if a “compromise” could be reached instead of terminating the pregnancy of the survivor, the 23-year-old accused told the judge on Friday that he is married and his wife is pregnant.
Justice Dave then ruled out the option of a compromise, given the marital status of the accused. He also said that a medical termination would not be possible anymore. Justice Dave conducted the proceedings on Friday in his chamber.
The father of the minor girl, who was also present in court and was called into Justice Dave’s chamber on Friday, was reportedly given options by Justice Dave as to whether the minor girl wants to carry out the remaining part of her pregnancy at a hospital, or at her residence, the advocate of the petitioner told The Indian Express. According to the advocate of the petitioner, the father sought time to get his daughter’s opinion.
The 23-year-old is currently lodged in a jail at Morbi and is facing charges under POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) Act.
The minor had approached the High Court, seeking termination of pregnancy. The court on June 8 ordered a medical assessment and opined orally if medical reports deem both the minor and the foetus to be healthy, the court was not inclined to order termination. The court has scheduled the next hearing for Monday.
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