Archive · 16 Sep 2026
Bombay High Court Seeks State Response On Late-Term MTP Rules
The Bombay High Court is considering a case about pregnancies lasting more than 24 weeks.
The case was brought by the Medico Legal Society of India.
It says women, including rape survivors and minors, may face lengthy court proceedings under current rules.
The group wants clearer instructions for doctors and hospitals.
It also says a late-term procedure could result in a premature baby needing intensive care.
The petition asks who should pay for that care.
It says doctors are unsure how to follow court orders while avoiding legal trouble.
The Maharashtra government must now respond to the court.
The Bombay High Court sought Maharashtra’s response to a PIL challenging court intervention in pregnancies beyond 24 weeks.
The petition contests a June 3, 2024 government resolution covering vulnerable women, including rape survivors, minors and persons with disabilities.
The Medico Legal Society of India says the provision shifts responsibility from Medical Boards to courts and prolongs legal proceedings.
The PIL seeks clear procedures for late-term terminations, including neonatal care, doctors’ responsibilities and financial liability.
The court issued notice to the State and scheduled the next hearing for October 9, 2026.
- Who
- The Bombay High Court, the Maharashtra government and the Medico Legal Society of India, which filed the PIL through paediatrician Dr Rajeev Joshi.
- What
- The court sought the State’s response to a challenge against a provision allowing court intervention in pregnancy cases beyond 24 weeks.
- When
- The court issued notice on September 15, 2026, and scheduled the next hearing for October 9, 2026.
- Where
- Before the Bombay High Court in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
- Why
- The PIL seeks clearer rules because it says current arrangements create prolonged litigation, medical uncertainty, neonatal-care concerns and unclear financial responsibility.
- Petitioner
- Medico Legal Society of India, through paediatrician Dr Rajeev Joshi
- Challenged provision
- A clause in Maharashtra’s June 3, 2024 government resolution
- Pregnancy stage
- Cases involving pregnancies beyond 24 weeks
- Affected groups cited
- Rape survivors, minors, persons with disabilities and cases involving foetal abnormalities
- Court action
- Notice issued to the Maharashtra government
- Next hearing
- October 9, 2026
- Requested relief
- Quashing of the court-intervention provision and creation of a standard operating procedure