Supreme Court says police cannot lead investigations under PCPNDT Act
The Supreme Court ruled that police are not normally authorized to investigate fetal sex-determination offences under the PCPNDT Act, assigning lead responsibility to the law’s designated authorities.
The Supreme Court, sitting in New Delhi, held that police cannot ordinarily act as primary investigators in offences involving fetal sex determination under the Pre-conception and Pre-natal Diagnostic Techniques (Prohibition of Sex Selection) Act, 1994. It directed that authorities designated by the act must lead investigations into such violations. By removing the ordinary investigative role of police, the court seeks to ensure that probes follow the statutory framework.
The decision arrives amid continued efforts to curb sex-selective practices in India. The ruling is expected to influence how future cases are pursued and prosecuted, placing specialized bodies at the forefront of enforcement.
Why it matters
It sets who can investigate sex-selection crimes, shaping enforcement of India's gender-balance law.
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