Delhi high court wants Pre-natal Diagnostic Techniques Act amended

Concerned at the loopholes in PNDT Act, the Delhi high court suggested on Tuesday the government adopt international practices to decide criteria for setting up prenatal diagnostic centres.

Justice S Muralidhar said, “The absence of clear rules and guidelines spelling out unambiguously the qualification, training and experience required for operating a diagnostic clinic offering ultrasound tests has resulted in unethical practices adopted at many such clinics in violation of PNDT Act going unchecked.”

The court suggested amending the Act meant for prohibition of sex selection and directed the government to conduct a survey after consulting medical experts.

“As a result of the weak Act, the mushrooming of diagnostic clinics is unable to be effectively regulated,” it said while allowing two petitions challenging an order of the erstwhile Medical Council of India rejecting applications to renew registration of ultrasound clinics of doctors KL Sehgal and Sonal.