New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Thursday sought response from the Centre and the Maharashtra government on a plea of an alleged rape victim challenging provisions of the abortion law which prohibits termination of pregnancy after 20 weeks even if there is a fatal risk to the mother and the foetus.

A bench headed by Justice J S Khehar issued notice for tomorrow and asked the petitioner to serve it today itself through the Attorney General's office. Senior advocate Colin Gonsalves appearing for the woman said that constitutionality of the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1971 is being challenged in the plea as it puts a ceiling of 20 weeks for an abortion. The bench also comprising Kurian Joseph and Justice Arun Misra said that it will seek the report of medical board on the condition of the woman.