Thursday, 20 August 2026 MUMBAI EDITION LIVE

SC: Police Can't Probe Sex Determination Offences

Supreme Court limits police power, PCPNDT Act offences to be probed by appointed authorities.

Mumbai Alert · City Desk
Mumbai Alert · City Desk
City Desk · Mumbai Alert News · Thu, 20 August 2026 at 11:33 am
SC: Police Can't Probe Sex Determination Offences

The Supreme Court has ruled that the police cannot investigate offences related to sex determination under the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act.

This decision was made to ensure that the investigations are conducted in a fair and unbiased manner. The PCPNDT Act was enacted to prevent the misuse of prenatal diagnostic techniques for sex determination, which has led to a significant imbalance in the sex ratio in India.

According to the Act, the appropriate authority appointed by the state government is responsible for conducting investigations into alleged offences. The Supreme Court has now clarified that this authority does not include the police.

The court's decision is expected to have a significant impact on the enforcement of the PCPNDT Act, as it will ensure that investigations are conducted by authorities who have the necessary expertise and training.

The PCPNDT Act has been in force since 1994 and was amended in 2003 to strengthen its provisions. The Act prohibits the use of prenatal diagnostic techniques for sex determination and imposes penalties on those who violate its provisions.

The Supreme Court's ruling is a significant step towards ensuring that the PCPNDT Act is enforced effectively and that the sex ratio in India is balanced. The decision is also expected to have implications for the role of the police in investigating other types of offences.

In recent years, there has been an increasing awareness of the need to prevent sex determination and to promote the rights of women and girls in India. The Supreme Court's decision is a significant contribution to this effort and is expected to have a positive impact on the enforcement of the PCPNDT Act.

The PCPNDT Act is an important piece of legislation that aims to prevent the misuse of prenatal diagnostic techniques for sex determination. The Act has been instrumental in reducing the incidence of female foeticide and promoting the rights of women and girls in India.

The Supreme Court's ruling is a significant development in the enforcement of the PCPNDT Act and is expected to have a positive impact on the sex ratio in India. The decision is also expected to have implications for the role of the police in investigating other types of offences and to contribute to the promotion of the rights of women and girls in India.

In conclusion, the Supreme Court's decision is a significant step towards ensuring that the PCPNDT Act is enforced effectively and that the sex ratio in India is balanced. The decision is expected to have a positive impact on the enforcement of the Act and to contribute to the promotion of the rights of women and girls in India.

Frequently asked questions

What is the PCPNDT Act?

The Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act is a law that prohibits the use of prenatal diagnostic techniques for sex determination.

Who can investigate PCPNDT Act offences?

The appropriate authority appointed by the state government, not the police, can investigate PCPNDT Act offences.

scpcpndt actsex determination
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