Supreme Court to hear PNDT Act new notifications

Govt. of India had issued two PNDT notifications dated 7th Feb 2012 and 4th June 2012. A “Forum for Radiologists/Sonologists” challenged the notification on 29th May 2012 in Delhi High Court. The  petition was dismissed there. The forum again filed review petition on 13th July 2012, which was again dismissed.

Subsequently the forum challenged both notifications Dated 7th Feb. 2012 and 4th June 2012 in Supreme Court. The Hon’ble Supreme Court issued notice to Govt. of India. On 29.01.13 the Govt. of India gave reply to the petition. Next date of hearing in Supreme Court is on 2nd Aug. 2013.

The forum is in process of submitting its counter-reply to the reply by Govt. of India. The forum has invited suggestions for the same.

Emedinews:Insights on Medicolegal Issues:Contravention of PNDT Act may lead to Imprisonment up to 3 years

• The name of the registered medical practitioner who has been convicted by the court under sub–section (1), shall be reported by the Appropriate Authority to the respective State Medical Council for taking necessary action including the removal of his name from the register of the Council for a period of two years for the first offence and permanently for the subsequent offence.
• Any person who seeks the aid of a genetic counseling center or genetic laboratory or genetic clinic or of a medical geneticist, medical gynecologist or registered medical practitioner for conducting prenatal diagnostic techniques on any pregnant woman (including the woman unless she was compelled to undergo such diagnostic technique) for purposes other than those specified in clause(2) of section 4, shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to 3 years and with a fine which may extend up to ten thousand rupees and on any subsequent conviction with imprisonment which may extend to five years and with fine which may extend up to fifty thousand rupees.