New Delhi, 17 May 2006

The NHRC has taken suo-motu cognizance of a news item, which appeared in 'The Hindu' dated 5th May 2006 revealing that 21 doctors in Rajasthan have been involved in sex determination tests. A TV news channel under its sting operation recently exposed these doctors. A number of women groups have been demonstrating demanding immediate action against the accused doctors. These groups allege that the State Government has failed in implementing the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (Regulation and Prevention of Misuse) Act, 1994.
It is also reported that 19 of these doctors had agreed to abort foetus after sex determination. Three of these accused doctors were posted in Government Hospital, Chittorgarh.
The Commission after observing the contents of the press report has said that if this report is true it raise a serious human rights issue concerning gender discrimination. The Commission has asked that a copy of press report be transmitted to the Chief Secretary, Government of Rajasthan, for his comments within four weeks.

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