Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

High Court verdict

This refers to the Bombay High Court’s verdict, rejecting the petition of Niketa and Haresh Mehta seeking permission to terminate Niketa’s pregnancy in the 26th week. It is a unique case, in which a couple adopted a legal route fearing that the child — diagnosed with a complete heart blockage as a 24-week foetus — would be seriously handicapped and lead a meaningless life.

It is an acerbic truth that many foetusus are aborted in a clandestine manner. The Mehta couple had faith in the judiciary which is why they approached it. The court, therefore, should have looked beyond the law.

Sachin Kumar Singh,

Varanasi

It was clear that the heart disorder in the foetus was discovered only in the 24th week of Niketa’s pregnancy. The court should have interpreted the law liberally. The verdict will discourage other couples in similar circumstances from seeking the court’s approval.

Ashwani Sharma,

Ghaziabad

The Bombay High Court verdict is welcome. The abnormality diagnosed in individual cases cannot become the basis of changing a law because laws are made and amended in the larger interest of society. In Niketa’s case, the congenital defect of the child can be remedied. The Mehta family should take care of the child with love, affection and confidence.

Seema Durrany,

New York

I agree that no one has the right to interfere with life (Letters, Aug. 6). Further, medical science is not absolute. Stephen Hawking was diagnosed with severe disability at the age of 21. Doctors said he would not survive more than two or three years. He overcame great odds and continues to make significant contributions to mankind.

Shooj Raj,

Bangalore

I respect the court verdict. At 24 weeks of pregnancy, the foetus is alive. Terminating the pregnancy, therefore, would have amounted to murder.

Particularly in view of the second medical report which stated that there were “least chances” of the child being seriously handicapped, there was no point in allowing Niketa to abort the foetus.

Swetank Suman,

Bhubaneswar

The court has done justice to even a child in the mother’s womb. The world is full of good people who can instil in handicapped children the courage and confidence to face the world. The court would have set a bad precedent had it allowed Niketa to abort the foetus. It might have paved the way for foeticide in the name of mercy killing.

Mohamed Sahul Hameed,

Vellore

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