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PRE-CONCEPTION AND PRE-NATAL DIAGNOSTIC TECHNIQUES (PROHIBITION OF SEX SELECTION) RULES,
1.
PRE-CONCEPTION AND PRE-NATAL DIAGNOSTIC
TECHNIQUES (PROHIBITION OF SEX SELECTION) (SIX MONTHS TRAINING) RULES, 2014
3.
Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (Prohibition of
Sex Selection)
Act,
1994 [57 OF 1994*]
1[An Act to provide for the prohibition of sex selection, before or after conception, and for regulation of pre-natal diagnostic techniques for the purposes of detecting genetic abnormalities or metabolic disorders or chromosomal abnormalities or certain congenital malformations or sex-linked disorders and for the prevention of their misuse for sex determination leading to female foeticide and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.]
BE it enacted by Parliament in the Forty-fifth year of the Republic of India as follows:—
CHAPTER I PRELIMINARY
Short title, extent and commencement.
1. This Act may be called 2[the Pre-conception and Pre-natal Diagnostic Techniques (Prohibition of Sex Selection)] Act, 1994.
(2)It shall extend to the whole of India 3[***].
*Dated 20-9-1994.
1.Substituted by the Pre-natal Diagnostic Techniques (Regulation and Prevention of Misuse) Amendment Act, 2002, w.e.f. 14-2-2003. Prior to its substitution, the long line read as under: “An Act to provide for the regulation of the use of pre-natal diagnostic techniques for the purpose of detecting genetic or metabolic disorders or chromosomal abnormalities or certain congenital malformation or sex linked disorders and for the prevention of the misuse of such techniques for the purpose of pre-natal sex determination leading to female feticide; and, for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.”
2.Substituted for “the Pre-natal Diagnostic Techniques (Regulation and Prevention of Misuse)”, ibid.
3.Words “except the State of Jammu and Kashmir” omitted by the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, w.e.f. 31-10-2019.
(3) It shall come into force on such date4 as the Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, appoint.
COMMENTS
SECTION NOTES
1.1 Short Title of the Act
The section formally names the Act. In this case, it is referred to as “[The Pre-conception and Pre-natal Diagnostic Techniques (Prohibition of Sex Selection)] Act, 1994.”
The purpose of specifying the short title is to allow for precise identification of the law in legal references and interpretations.
1.2 Extent of the Act
The Act is explicitly made applicable to the entire territory of India.
1.3 Commencement of the Act
The Act’s coming into force on such date [w.e.f. 1-1-1996] depends on a formal notification by the Central Government published in the Official Gazette.
Definitions.
2. In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires,—
(a) “Appropriate Authority” means the Appropriate Authority appointed under section 17;
(b) “Board” means the Central Supervisory Board constituted under section 7;
5[(ba) “conceptus” means any product of conception at any stage of development from fertilisation until birth including extra embryonic membranes as well as the embryo or foetus;
(bb) “embryo” means a developing human organism after fertilisation till the end of eight weeks (fifty-six days);
(bc) “foetus” means a human organism during the period of its development beginning on the fifty-seventh day following fertilisation or creation (excluding any time in which its development has been suspended) and ending at the birth;]
(c) “Genetic Counselling Centre” means an institute, hospital, nursing home or any place, by whatever name called, which provides for genetic counselling to patients;
(d) “Genetic Clinic” means a clinic, institute, hospital, nursing home or any place, by whatever name called, which is used for conducting pre-natal diagnostic procedures.
5[Explanation.—For the purposes of this clause, “Genetic Clinic” includes a vehicle, where ultrasound machine or imaging machine or scanner or
4. W.e.f. 1-1-1996, vide Notification No. S.O. 990(E), dated 20-12-1995.
5. Inserted by the Pre-natal Diagnostic Techniques (Regulation and Prevention of Misuse) Amendment Act, 2002, w.e.f. 14-2-2003.
other equipment capable of determining sex of the foetus or a portable equipment which has the potential for detection of sex during pregnancy or selection of sex before conception, is used;]
(e) “Genetic Laboratory” means a laboratory and includes a place where facilities are provided for conducting analysis or tests of samples received from Genetic Clinic for pre-natal diagnostic test.
5a[Explanation.—For the purposes of this clause, “Genetic Laboratory” includes a place where ultrasound machine or imaging machine or scanner or other equipment capable of determining sex of the foetus or a portable equipment which has the potential for detection of sex during pregnancy or selection of sex before conception, is used;]
(f) “gynaecologist” means a person who possesses a post-graduate qualification in gynaecology and obstetrics;
6[(g) “medical geneticist” includes a person who possesses a degree or diploma in genetic science in the fields of sex selection and pre-natal diagnostic techniques or has experience of not less than two years in any of these fields after obtaining—
(i) any one of the medical qualifications recognised under the Indian Medical Council Act, 1956 (102 of 1956)*; or
(ii) a post-graduate degree in biological sciences;]
(h) “paediatrician” means a person who possesses a post-graduate qualification in paediatrics;
7[(i) “pre-natal diagnostic procedures” means all gynaecological or obstetrical or medical procedures such as ultrasonography, foetoscopy, taking or removing samples of amniotic fluid, chorionic villi, embryo, blood or any other tissue or fluid of a man, or of a woman before or after conception, for being sent to a Genetic Laboratory or Genetic Clinic for conducting any type of analysis or pre-natal diagnostic tests for selection of sex before or after conception;]
(j) “pre-natal diagnostic techniques” includes all pre-natal diagnostic procedures and pre-natal diagnostic tests;
5a. Inserted by the Pre-natal Diagnostic Techniques (Regulation and Prevention of Misuse) Amendment Act, 2002, w.e.f. 14-2-2003.
6. Substituted, ibid. Prior to its substitution, clause (g) read as under:
‘(g) “medical geneticist means a person who possesses a degree or diploma or certificate in medical genetics in the field of pre-natal diagnostic techniques or has experience of not less than two years in such field after obtaining—
(i) any one of the medical qualifications recognised under the Indian Medical Council Act, 1956 (102 of 1956); or
(ii) a post-graduate degree in biological sciences;’
7. Substituted, ibid. Prior to its substitution, clause (i) read as under:
‘(i) “pre-natal diagnostic procedures” means all gynaecological or obstetrical or medical procedures such as ultrasonography foetoscopy, taking or removing samples of amniotic fluid, chorionic villi, blood or any tissue of a pregnant woman for being sent to a Genetic Laboratory or Genetic Clinic for conducting pre-natal diagnostic test;’
* Now repealed.
Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (Prohibition of Sex Selection) Act 1994 with Rules –Bare Act with Section Notes
AUTHOR : Taxmann’s Editorial Board
PUBLISHER : Taxmann
DATE OF PUBLICATION : December 2025
EDITION : 2026 Edition
ISBN NO : 9789371262408
No. of Pages : 124
BINDING TYPE : Paperback
Rs. 175
DESCRIPTION
Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (Prohibition of Sex Selection) Act 1994 with Rules [Bare Act with Section Notes] by Taxmann concisely presents the legal framework prohibiting sex selection (before or after conception) and regulating pre-natal diagnostic techniques in India. It includes the amended text of the PCPNDT Act 1994, the PCPNDT Rules 1996 (with subsequent amendments), and the (Six Months Training) Rules 2014. Section-wise notes offer clear guidance on the Act’s intent and practical compliance. By consolidating all relevant Acts and Rules, this comprehensive edition plays a pivotal role in preventing the misuse of diagnostic technology for sex determination, fostering gender justice, and protecting the rights of the unborn girl child.
This book is intended for the following audience:
• Legal Professionals (Advocates, Judicial Officers, Law Firms) – To interpret and apply the PCPNDT Act’s provisions in related cases and stay updated on amendments
• Healthcare Professionals (Doctors, Radiologists, Geneticists, etc.) – To ensure compliance with registration, recordkeeping, consent procedures, and other obligations
• Regulatory Authorities & Enforcement Agencies (Appropriate Authorities, Advisory Committees, Medical Councils) –To oversee compliance, conduct inspections, and enforce legal action against violations
• Academics & Students (Law, Public Health, Medicine) – As a reference for research, study, and a deeper understanding of regulations governing pre-natal diagnostic techniques
• Social Welfare Organisations & NGOs – To support advocacy against female foeticide and promote gender equity
• Policy Makers & Administrators – For informed policy formulation, effective implementation, and robust oversight mechanisms
The Present Publication is the 2026 Edition, covering the amended and updated text of the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (Prohibition of Sex Selection) Act [Act No. 57 of 1994] and Rules, with the following noteworthy features:
• [Complete Legal Text] Consolidates the PCPNDT Act 1994, the PCPNDT Rules, and the (Six Months Training) Rules 2014 in one place
• [Updated Amendments] Reflect the latest amendments on registration, record-keeping, and penal provisions to deter female foeticide
• [Pre-amendment Provisions] Highlights earlier provisions in amendment footnotes for clarity on pre-amendment applicability
• [Section-wise Commentary & Notes] Offers interpretative notes and cross-references after each section for practical understanding
• [Forms & Schedules] Includes official forms (Form A, Form B, Form F, etc.) and guidelines for maintenance under the Act and Rules
• [Registration & Compliance Guidance] Details application procedures for new or renewed registration of Genetic Centres and Clinics
• [Practitioner-oriented] Provides clear do’s and don’ts for doctors conducting ultrasonography
• [Logbook & Training Details] Outlines training rules, logbook maintenance, and competency assessments for sixmonth ultrasonography training