Karnataka High Court formulates comprehensive 'Standard Operating Procedure for the Protection and Rehabilitation of Minor Victims of Sexual Offences'.
Ms. X (Minor) v. State of Karnataka, WP No. 30971/2025 (Decided on 15 Oct 2025, Karnataka HC, Justice Suraj Govindaraj)
Facts:
A 13-year-old rape survivor, represented by her mother, sought permission from the High Court to terminate her pregnancy. The petition also requested preservation of the foetus for DNA testing, payment of medical expenses by the State, and compensation under the victim-compensation scheme.
Findings & Directions:
The Medical Board certified that medical termination of pregnancy (MTP) was safe and advisable, as continuation would gravely endanger the minor’s physical and mental health.
The Court held that forcing the minor to continue a pregnancy caused by rape would violate her right to bodily autonomy and amount to mental cruelty.
The petition was allowed, and directions issued:
MTP permitted at Vani Vilas Hospital in accordance with the Board’s report.
The foetus to be preserved for DNA testing in the pending criminal case.
Police to conduct DNA analysis and link results to the investigation.
State to bear all medical and counselling expenses.
District Legal Services Authority to process and release compensation under the Victim Compensation Scheme.
Broader Significance:
Observing recurring delays and procedural lapses in similar child-rape cases, the Court issued comprehensive general directions and framed a detailed Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for Karnataka to ensure uniform, technology-driven protection, investigation, and rehabilitation of minor victims of sexual offences.
Key features of the SOP include:
Immediate medical, psychological, and legal assistance through a Digital POCSO Portal integrating police, medical, child-welfare, and judicial workflows.
Automatic case tracking, strict statutory timelines, and anonymisation of victim data.
Mandatory trauma-informed counselling, long-term rehabilitation plans, education continuity, and financial support.
Institutional accountability through District and State-level Monitoring Committees, annual audits, and mandatory training for all stakeholders.
Essence:
The judgment both authorises the minor’s pregnancy termination and pioneers a state-wide digital and procedural framework to ensure timely, humane, and coordinated handling of child-sexual-offence cases in Karnataka.
Please see the judgment for the complete SOP formulated by the Hon'ble Court.
