On June 2, 2025, the Delhi High Court issued significant guidelines to streamline and humanize the process of medical termination of pregnancy (MTP) for minor rape victims. Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma emphasized that hospitals must not insist on identification proof for diagnostic procedures, such as ultrasounds, when the victim is accompanied by an Investigating Officer (IO) or presented under court or Child Welfare Committee (CWC) directives. The IO’s identification, along with the official case file and FIR details, is deemed sufficient for proceeding with medical examinations .

The Court highlighted that rigid procedural requirements, like mandatory ID verification, can cause undue distress and delays for minor victims of sexual assault. Recognizing the sensitive nature of such cases, the Court directed that:

• Comprehensive medical examinations should be conducted promptly without unnecessary procedural delays.
• The IO is responsible for bringing all necessary documentation when presenting the victim for medical evaluation.
• In cases where the gestational period exceeds 24 weeks, medical boards should be constituted immediately to assess the feasibility of MTP, without waiting for specific court directions .

These directives aim to ensure that minor rape victims receive timely and compassionate medical care, minimizing bureaucratic hurdles that could exacerbate their trauma.

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