The Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PNDT) Act & Rules - Introduction

Introduction

        The Pre-natal Diagnostic Techniques (Regulation and Prevention of Misuse) Act, 1994, was enacted and brought into operation from 1st January, 1996, in order to check female foeticide.  Rules have also been framed under the Act.  The Act prohibits determination and disclosure of the sex of foetus .  It also prohibits any advertisements relating to pre-natal determination of sex and prescribes punishment for its contravention.  The person who contravenes the provisions of this Act is punishable with imprisonment and fine.

         Recently, PNDT Act and Rules have been amended keeping in view the emerging technologies for selection of sex before and after conception and problems  faced in the working of implementation of the ACT and certain directions of Hon’ble Supreme Court after a PIL was filed in May, 2000 by CEHAT and Ors, an NGO on slow implementation of the Act.  These amendments have come into operation with effect from 14th February, 2003

•  The PNDT (PRINCIPAL) ACT 1994              
•  The PNDT (PRINCIPAL) RULES 1996
•  The PNDT Advisory Committee Rules, 1996
•  The PNDT Amendment Act, 2002
•  The PNDT Amendment Rule, 2003