PCPNDT Act and the Challenge of Gender Imbalance: Supreme Court’s Observations

On 11th June 2026, the Supreme Court (SC) in a case underscored the need for stringent implementation of the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act, 1994, highlighting the persistent challenge of gender imbalance and the continuing prevalence of sex-selective practices in India.

Issues Flagged by Supreme Court

Societal Pathology

  • The Court expressed serious concern over the deep-rooted societal preference for sons that transcends economic, educational and social divisions.
  • It observed that illegal sex determination and sex-selective practices continue despite legal prohibitions.

Welfare Subversion

  • The Court noted that extensive government efforts towards women’s empowerment are being undermined by ....
Do You Want to Read More?
Subscribe Now
To get access to detailed content

Already a Member? Login here

Take Annual Subscription and get the following Advantage
The annual members of the Civil Services Chronicle can read the monthly content of the magazine as well as the Chronicle magazine archives.
Readers can study all the material since 2018 of the Civil Services Chronicle monthly issue in the form of Chronicle magazine archives.
Be an Annual Subscriber

Social Justice