The Bombay High Court was shocked to hear about a disturbing case from Satara, Maharashtra. A minor rape survivor underwent a medical termination of pregnancy, but it did not succeed, and a baby girl was born at around 26 weeks. Instead of being properly cared for, doctors at the District Civil Hospital allegedly left the newborn without food, leading to her death. The court described this as “shocking” and “unacceptable.”

At its Kolhapur bench, Justices Madhav Jamdar and Pravin Patil ordered a detailed investigation into the matter, noting that the Civil Surgeon had earlier informed them that the abortion procedure was successful.

Facts of the Case :

On March 7, another bench of the Bombay High Court directed the hospital to carry out an abortion on the minor rape survivor after a medical board approved it. When the case was heard again on March 16, the Civil Surgeon from Satara said the procedure was completed successfully, the girl was stable, and the local police had been informed to collect the foetal DNA samples.

On March 18, the lawyer for the minor told the court that the abortion done on March 16 had failed, and the girl gave birth to a baby at 11:00 AM. However, a false report had been submitted earlier saying it was successful. The lawyer also stated in a note that the newborn was “allegedly starved to death” between 9:30 and 10:00 PM for DNA testing, even though the victim, her mother, and a child welfare officer had pleaded against it.

The lawyer for the Petitioner submitted short notes dated March 18, 2026, which stated that:

“This conduct amounts to criminal negligence under Section 304A IPC (causing death by negligence), potential murder under Section 302 IPC due to intentional starvation despite cries and pleas, and child endangerment under the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015. Misuse of court order by prioritizing DNA over life support, ignoring victim family, child welfare oicer, and police (via 112), shows gross contempt of court under Contempt of Courts Act, 1971. The Hospital Staff even stated and pressurize the Victims Mother to state, if asked by the Hon'ble Court to falsely state that Hospital Staf has taken due care.”

But when the bench read the short note they were shocked. The note highlighted very serious issues in the way the abortion was carried out and how the baby was cared for. The Court said it was “completely aghast.”

Investigation Ordered:

Because the matter was very serious, the Court ordered the Principal Secretary of the Public Health Department in Mumbai to carry out a detailed investigation and submit a report by March 25.

The Court also directed the District Woman and Child Development Officer in Satara and the members of the Medical Board at the Civil Hospital, Satara to file affidavits.

It told the Collector of Satara to immediately seize the CCTV footage from March 16 at the District Civil Hospital.

Protection for Victim’s Family:

As the minor girl and her family were receiving threats, the judges directed the Superintendent of Police, Satara to take urgent steps to protect them.

The case was then adjourned for the next hearing on March 25.

The Court expressed deep shock over how the minor’s case was handled. It pointed out serious failures in medical and legal responsibility and ordered a strict investigation, accountability, and protection measures to ensure justice and prevent such misconduct in the future.

Case Details: XYZ vs State of Maharashtra (Writ Petition 1690 of 2026)