‘Deep-seated’ bias for male child persists in society: SC
The SC judgment reinforces the continuing relevance of the PCPNDT Act in curbing sex-selective abortions and highlights deep-rooted patriarchal biases — a core GS I social issue. For GS II, it tests knowledge of legislative safeguards for women and children, and judicial interpretation of such laws. The observation on improving child sex ratio also links to government schemes and demographic data tracked in UPSC prelims.
Key facts
- Supreme Court Bench: Justices Sanjay Karol and P.K. Mishra dismissed appeal of a Maharashtra doctor challenging criminal proceedings under PCPNDT Act.
- Court noted child sex ratio has shown 'clear signs of improvement' but sex selection practices persist due to 'deep-seated patriarchal preferences'.
- PCPNDT Act, 1994 prohibits sex selection before or after conception and regulates pre-natal diagnostic techniques.
- The Act bans disclosure of sex of foetus and punishes violations with imprisonment up to 3 years and fine up to ₹10,000 for first offence.
- India's child sex ratio (0-6 years) was 918 girls per 1000 boys as per Census 2011; improvement noted post-Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (2015) scheme.
The Supreme Court has observed that though the country’s child sex ratio has shown “clear signs of improvement”, the continued prevalence of sex selection practices reflects “deep-seated patriarchal preferences” for a male child. A Bench of Justices Sanjay Karol and P.K. Mishra made the observation while dismissing a Maharashtra doctor’s appeal challenging criminal proceedings against him under the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (Prohibition of Sex Selection) Act, 1994 (PCPNDT Act).
Concepts to know
The Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (Prohibition of Sex Selection) Act prohibits sex-selective abortions and misuse of diagnostic techniques to determine foetal sex. It mandates registration of ultrasound clinics and penalises violations by medical professionals.
Child Sex Ratio refers to the number of girls per 1000 boys in the 0-6 age group. It is a key demographic indicator of gender bias and son-preference in a society, tracked through Census data.
Launched in 2015 by the Government of India, this scheme aims to address declining child sex ratio and promote welfare and education of the girl child, initially focused on 100 gender-critical districts.
Guarantees protection of life and personal liberty. Courts have interpreted it broadly to include the right to live with dignity, which encompasses freedom from arbitrary detention of journalists and activists.
A social system in which men hold primary power and dominance. In the Indian context, patriarchal preferences manifest as son-preference, dowry practices, and sex-selective abortions — themes frequently examined in GS I and GS II.
Linked previous-year questions
The UPSC questions this story connects to.
Assertion (A): According to statistics, more female children are born each year than male children in India. Reason (R) : In India, the death rate of a male child is higher than that of the female child. (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A (b) Both A and Raretrue but R is not a correct explanation of A (c) A is true but R is false (d) A is false but R is true
- a.Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
- b.Both A and Raretrue but R is not a correct explanation of A
- c.A is true but R is false
- d.A is false but R is true ✓
Geography · UPSC 1999Consider the following statements: As per 2001 Census 1. The two States with the lowest sex ratio are Haryana and Punjab 2. The two States with the lowest population per sq km. of area are Meghalaya and Mizoram 3. Kerala has both the highest literacy rate and sex ratio Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 3 only (b) 2 and 3 (c) 1 and 2 (d) 1 and 3
- a.3 only
- b.2 and 3
- c.1 and 2
- d.1 and 3 ✓
Geography · UPSC 2004According to the latest census figures sex ratio in India is: (a) declining (b) stable (c) increasing (d) fluctuating
- a.declining
- b.stable
- c.increasing
- d.fluctuating ✓
Geography · UPSC 1997Consider the following statements : 1. India is the second country in the world to adopt a National Family Planning Programme. 2. The National Population Policy of India 2000 seeks to achieve a replacement level of fertility by 2010 with a population of 111 crores. 3. Kerala is the first state in India to achieve a replacement level of fertility. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 (c) 2 and 3 (d) 1, 2 and 3
- a.1 only
- b.1 and 2
- c.2 and 3 ✓
- d.1, 2 and 3
Geography · UPSC 2005Assertion (A): In human beings, the females play a major role in determining the sex of the offspring. Reason (R): Women have two 'X' chromosomes. Codes: (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A (b) Both A and R are true but R is not a correct explanation of A (c) A is true but R is false (d) A is false but R is true
- a.Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
- b.Both A and R are true but R is not a correct explanation of A
- c.A is true but R is false
- d.A is false but R is true ✓
Science & Tech · UPSC 2000Consider the following statements: 1. There is no provision in the Constitution of India to encourage equal pay for equal work for both men and women. 2. The Constitution of India does not define backward classes. Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct? (a) I only (b) 2 only (c) Both I and 2 (d) Neither I nor 2
- a.I only
- b.2 only ✓
- c.Both I and 2
- d.Neither I nor 2
Polity · UPSC 2006
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