The Delhi High Court on Thursday ordered that a
19-year-old rape victim, who was abandoned by her family after she became pregnant, be sent to a government-run shelter home for destitute pregnant women.
The girl, who is now eight months pregnant, had approached the court for medical and financial help, alleging that she had been raped by her neighbour in October, and was thrown out by her parents due to the social stigma and their inability to provide for her and the child.
Appearing before Justice Manmohan Singh, Delhi government additional standing counsel Ruchi Sindhwani said: "All necessary facilities would be provided to the petitioner and she would not have to bear any expenses involved in
delivering the child, for which the girl should be sent to a shelter home meant for pregnant and lactating women."
In her plea, the girl had said that she was staying at a distant relative's home and had been abandoned by her family. In their submissions, advocates Nishit Kush and Vijay Kinger told the court that she was in "pitiable financial condition" and would not be able to meet medical expenses required by hospitals for delivery of a child".
Meanwhile, Delhi Police also filed a status report on the rape case and the ongoing trial.
According to the police report, four persons, including the mother and wife of prime accused Sanjay Chaudhary, have been arrested in the case.
Chaudhary is absconding and the trial court on June 5 declared him a proclaimed offender.
In her plea, the victim said that she was raped by Chaudhary in October last year. The petition also said: "The accused, who is married, had raped the girl and clicked her nude photographs with his mobile phone and from time to time had threatened to make the pictures public."