Punjab & Haryana High Court Declines Minor Rape Survivor’s Plea To Terminate Pregnancy Citing Medical Grounds But Grants ₹4 Lakh Interim Compensation

The Punjab & Haryana High Court was approached by a 14-year-old rape survivor seeking medical termination of her pregnancy at 29 weeks. A medical board had advised against termination citing medical grounds (presumably risks due to advanced gestational age). The Court declined to permit the termination, but directed the state government to pay ₹4 lakh as interim compensation, which is the minimum in the relevant Haryana Compensation Scheme for Women Victims/Survivors of Sexual Assault/other Crimes, 2020. The Court also instructed the Haryana State Legal Services Authority to consider compensation under formal schemes (BNSS or others) and ensure that final relief is granted expeditiously, preferably within two months of this order. The interim compensation is to be subject to final adjudication under applicable statutory provisions. The case illustrates balancing of medical opinion with victim’s rights and the role of compensation when full relief is not granted.