Private doctor can check rape victim’s mental state: Bombay High Court

The Bombay High Court on Friday allowed medical examination of a rape victim, who for the second time, tried to flee from the remand home in Matunga. 

The vacation bench of Justice KK Tated and Justice AK Menon allowed a private doctor to visit the Matunga home and examine the victim and recommend the necessary medication. 

The victim’s father had moved the court seeking transfer of the victim from the Matunga home to the St Catherine home in Andheri, claiming his daughter needs a change in atmosphere.

The home opposed the argument of the victim that she was not allowed to meet her child. The home stated that while the doctor is available at the home he is not able to address the condition of the girl, and the home does not have a problem if a private medical expert examines her. 

In 2012, the 13-year-old was allegedly raped by her neighbour. Only eight months later her family found out about the rape and approached the Amboli police station to register an FIR to no avail. Only after the intervention of the child welfare committee, who sent a legal notice to the police, that a case was registered in January 2012. The court has asked the Matunga home to place on record the facilities available at the home and produce the victims medical records for further examination in court.