Chandigarh:ThePunjabandHaryanaHighCourtshaveissueddirectivestoboththestatesandtheUnionTerritoryofChandigarh,introducingapolicytoformallyremovetherequirementforthefather'snameinallitsforms,especiallyineducationalinstitutions, for thechildrenofrapevictims.Seenasarevolutionarysteptosupportandrehabilitaterapevictimsandtheirchildren,thedirectiveisnotjustaboutadministrativechange, reported TOI.Theorderalsoincludesthecreationofone-stopcenters,dedicatedtoprovidingregularpsychologicalandemotionalcounselingtorapevictims.Thesecentersaimtohelpsurvivorsmakeinformeddecisionsaboutcontinuingorendingapregnancyasaresultofsexualassault.
Incaseswherethetimelimitforsafeterminationofpregnancyhasexpiredbutthesurvivorchoosesnottokeepthechild,thecourthasorderedtheCentralAdoptionAuthority(CARA)orsimilarorganizationtoexpeditetheprocess regarding preparationofadoptiondocumentsforthechild.Meanwhile,ifthesurvivordecidestoraisethechild,theStatemustassist,includingamonthlyallowance,toensurethechildreceivesgoodnutrition,goodhealthandadecenteducation.Courtordersareissuedinresponsetoasurvivor'sclaim.Duringtheextendedhearing,thepetition'sscopewasexpandedtoaddresstherehabilitationofrapesurvivorsandtheirchildren,aswellasimprovinglivingconditionsincommunities and shelter.