NationalThursday, 13 August 2026·The Hindu - National
Madhya Pradesh HC: rape survivors need no court nod for abortion up to 24 weeks under MTP Act, 1971
The Madhya Pradesh High Court said rape survivors with pregnancies up to 24 weeks can seek legal termination without court permission under the MTP Act, 1971.
Key highlights
Direct fact
In August 2025, the Madhya Pradesh High Court at Indore held that rape survivors with pregnancies up to 24 weeks do not need court permission to terminate pregnancy under the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act, 1971.
Key specifics
- Justice Sandeep N. Bhatt heard the petition on August 11, 2025, in Indore.
- The case involved a 16-year-old sexual assault survivor with an 18-week pregnancy.
- The court relied on a February 20, 2025 Division Bench verdict from the Jabalpur Bench.
- The ruling referred to Article 226 of the Constitution and said judicial proceedings are not required up to 24 weeks.
- The Health Commissioner was asked to communicate the order to hospitals, especially Government Hospitals, in Madhya Pradesh.
Exam lens
Polity and law match-the-following, MTP Act, 1971, Article 226, 24 weeks, Jabalpur Bench, Indore Bench — TNPSC may ask which court clarified abortion access for rape or incest survivors.