Delhi High Court orders LNJP Hospital to examine 33-week pregnant woman seeking abortion by 1 PM today

The Delhi High Court on Monday pulled up authorities at the capital's Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narayan (LNJP) Hospital for failing to examine a 33-week pregnant woman seeking an abortion [XYZ v. Union of India].

Justice Prathiba M Singh ordered the authorities to examine the 26-year-old woman today itself. 

"Every single day is crucial in this matter. Examine her today itself and submit a report by 1 pm," the judge said, while posting the matter for further hearing at 2:30 PM. 

The Bench had ordered LNJP Hospital to examine the woman on Friday last week. However, as per Advocate Anwesh Madhukar, appearing for the woman, the examination was yet to take place. 

"They said that it will take place another day. She was at the hospital till 10:30pm on Friday but nothing happened. On Saturday, she was asked to move an application. I don't know despite the Court’s direction why is an application required. Then on Saturday, she waited till 5pm and still nothing happened. She was asked to come on Monday and today she has been waiting since 9am, and her examination has still not started," Madhukar submitted. 

After hearing the submission, Justice Singh ordered an expeditious examination of the woman and clarified that if the same is not done today, then the doctors on the medical board will have to appear before the Court.