The Supreme Court today underscored the need for strict enforcement of the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act, voicing concern over the persistent societal preference for male children and the continued practice of sex-selective measures rooted in deeply entrenched patriarchal attitudes. A bench comprising Justice Sanjay Karol and Justice Prashant Kumar Mishra observed that government initiatives such as Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Janani Suraksha Yojana, and Ladli Lakshmi Yojana reflect ongoing efforts to eliminate the systemic discrimination. While acknowledging the progress made in recent years, the court noted that significant challenges remain, with several states continuing to report sex ratios at birth below the national average. Referring to Census data, the bench highlighted that the national child sex ratio declined from 945 in 1991 to 927 in 2001 and further to 919 in 2011, illustrating the gravity of the gender imbalance that necessitated the stringent implementation of the PCPNDT Act. The observations were made while dismissing an appeal filed by a doctor challenging an order taking cognisance of alleged offences under Section 23 of the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (Prohibition of Sex Selection) Act.
News On AIR | June 11, 2026 7:05 PM
SC necessitates stringent implementation of PCPNDT Act illustrating gravity of gender imbalance
