HC expresses dismay over govt’s stance against FIR in newborn’s death at Satara civil hospital; urges Adv Gen to appear

Kolhapur: The Bombay high court's Kolhapur bench on Monday expressed its dismay over the state govt's stance against registration of an FIR in the case filed by a 17-year-old rape survivor, who alleged that her newborn baby was starved to death for DNA sampling following unsuccessful medical termination of her 24-week pregnancy at the Satara civil hospital."It is unfortunate that in spite of the very serious incident, the State Government has taken a stand that the Public Health Department is of the view that FIR need not be lodged in the matter as the incident had taken place due to the administrative/procedural lapses. In view of the stand taken by the State Government, we request the learned Advocate General to appear in the matter," the bench of Justice Madhav J Jamdar and Justice Pravin P Patil said.The observation came after the additional govt pleader submitted to the court a letter dated April 6 by the under secretary to the govt of Maharashtra's Public Health Department, mentioning the govt's stance on the matter.On April 2, the HC had directed Maharashtra govt to take a decision on registering an FIR after an inquiry report indicted the Satara district civil surgeon and gynaecologist in the case arising from failed MTP. The govt has already suspended Satara district civil surgeon Dr Yuvraj Karpe and gynaecologist Dr Chandsaheb Shikalgar.The bench further expressed its shock over no action taken by the superintendent of police, Satara, over the complaint lodged by the petitioner's advocate Mohansinh Rajput that he was threatened by few persons and that he needed police protection. At the last hearing, the court had directed the SP to take the appropriate action. The HC has directed the SP, Satara, to file the affidavit before April 15, and till next date, police protection given to Rajput should continue.Rajput brought to the notice of the court that the rape survivor and her mother have received one session of the psychiatric counselling and the psychiatrist has advised few more sessions will be required. The court has posted the matter for next hearing on April 16.