Bhubaneswar, Jan. 21 -- The Orissa High Court on Wednesday delivered a significant ruling, granting permission for abortion to a rape survivor. The decision was pronounced after hearing a petition filed by a victim in connection with the case.

Taking into account the physical and mental health of the survivor, the court allowed the termination of pregnancy and also permitted a DNA examination of the foetus.

In her petition, the survivor stated that the pregnancy was involuntary and directly linked to a sexual assault. She had earlier lodged a complaint at the Rourkela Women Police Station. The case was initially registered as a 'zero FIR' and was later transferred to Binjharpur Police Station for further investigation.

The ruling is be...