Nagpur: Several doctors across Maharashtra recently raised concerns about police officers allegedly pressuring them to disclose the identity of minor girls seeking medical termination of pregnancy (MTP), despite Supreme Court’s clear directives barring such action. This practice is deeply troubling and directly contradicts the legal position laid down by the apex court, they say.The Supreme Court has ruled that if a minor becomes pregnant due to a consensual relationship and seeks MTP, doctors must not reveal her identity to the police under Section 19(1) of the Pocso Act, provided the girl and guardian request confidentiality. The court also exempted doctors from sharing her identity during any related criminal proceedings.Doctors say many police personnel remain unaware of these guidelines. “In the last few days, multiple doctors called expressing distress that they are being forced to act against Supreme Court orders,” said Dr Indrajit Khandekar, professor of forensic medicine at Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences (MGIMS), Sewagram-Wardha.Dr Khandekar urged senior police and administrative authorities to immediately sensitise police personnel at all levels. He said doctors must also be informed about these protections to ensure uniform and lawful practice.As per Dr Khandekar, doctors must inform the police that a minor pregnancy arising from a consensual sexual act has been reported for MTP and that, as the girl and her guardian have requested confidentiality, her identity and personal details are not being disclosed, in line with the SC’s directions. Doctors should be able to perform their duties under the MTP Act without fear or coercion, consistent with medical ethics and the law. Protecting the confidentiality of minor girls is not only a legal mandate — it is an ethical and social responsibility, he said.“I became aware of this practice through many doctors I trained on the Supreme Court’s directions regarding confidentiality of minor pregnant girls. After the training, doctors began following the SC guidelines and informed the police about minor pregnancies without disclosing the girl’s identity,” said Dr Khandekar.“Several police officials, unaware of these directions, started pressuring them to reveal the identity and, in some cases, even entered hospital to question patients. Disturbed and unsure, many of these doctors contacted me to report the harassment they were facing,” he said.
