MP High Court Directs State To Strictly Implement Provisions Of Pre-Conception & Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques Act

The Madhya Pradesh High Court directed the State government to strictly implement the provisions of the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act, focusing on preventing sex-selective practices and ensuring compliance by medical establishments. The Court’s order stresses robust enforcement measures, registration and monitoring of diagnostic centres, strict action against unregistered or non-compliant facilities, and awareness initiatives to uphold the statutory prohibition on sex determination. The judgment recognises the persistent social harms of prenatal sex selection and calls for administrative vigilance, effective record-keeping, and inter-departmental coordination to curb violations. By mandating proactive steps from the State, the Court reinforces the legislative intent of the PCPNDT Act to protect the right to life and equality of the girl child, and expects authorities to adopt both preventive and punitive strategies to eliminate discriminatory prenatal practices.