The Supreme Court has emphasized that illegal sex-selection practices continue in parts of the country due to the persistent social preference for male children. Stressing the need for strict enforcement of laws prohibiting prenatal sex determination, the Court observed that there can be no leniency in the fight against female foeticide.
A bench comprising Justices Sanjay Karol and Prashant Kumar Mishra made the remarks while dismissing an appeal filed by a doctor from Maharashtra. The Court noted that welfare initiatives such as Beti Bachao Beti Padhao and Janani Suraksha schemes must be effectively implemented to promote the welfare and protection of girl children.
The case involved Dr. Ramesh, whose sonography center was found to have deficiencies in maintaining mandatory Form F records and other violations under the law regulating prenatal diagnostic techniques. Following these findings, a magistrate initiated prosecution against him under the anti-sex determination law.
The doctor challenged the proceedings before the Revisional Court and later the Bombay High Court, but failed to obtain relief. He subsequently approached the Supreme Court, which upheld the action taken against him and dismissed his appeal.
The Court observed that continued efforts are essential to eliminate the long-standing and systematic discrimination faced by girls and women in society.
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