Question: Explain legal status of unborn child.

 

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Answer

All the beings, who are capable of enjoyment of rights and performing duties, can be called persons. The term person can be further classified into:

1.       Natural person, and

2.       Legal person.

 

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Unborn, in layman’s terms, means who is not yet born. Legally speaking, under IPC, there are three stages of an unborn child:

1.       an unborn child simpliciter,

2.       where the woman is quick with child, and

3.       the unborn child capable of being born alive.

 

Related maxims

1.                   An infant ventre sa mere: a child in its mother’s womb.

2.                   Nascitures Pro Ham Nato Habetur: One who is to be born is deemed to have been born.

 

Provisions dealing with unborn child under various Laws

Under Criminal Laws

1.                   IPC: Section 312 to 316 of the Indian Penal Code states that anyone who prevents a child from being born alive, or for causing the death of a quick unborn child will be punished depending on the case type.

The offences mentioned under these sections are of non-bailable, cognizable and non-compoundable in nature, and stringent punishments for the same are provided.

2.                   CRPC: Section 416 of the code provides for the postponement or of an execution of a pregnant woman, or alternatively, if the high court deems fit, the execution can be reduced to life imprisonment.

 

Under Civil Laws

1.       Indian succession act: As per section 114, a property interest can be created in the name of the unborn child. However, it can only be vested after the child is born alive.

2.       Hindu succession act: Section 20 states that As per Mitakshara Law, in a Hindu Undivided Family, an unborn child will have an interest in coparcenary property.

3.       Transfer of Property Act: Section 13 provides that property can be transferred for the benefit of the unborn child, but this should be done via a trust.

 

Therefore, it can be safely concluded that in Indian legal system, an unborn child is considered as capable of enjoyment of rights, hence, be considered as a legal person and his rights are protected under various legislations.

 

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