Chandigarh, May 21, 2015: In an expeditiously tried prosecution case against the menace of sale and marketing of online sex selection kits Ms Varsha Jain, Judicial Magistrate, First Class, Gurgaon delivered a historical judgment convicting Sanjay Khatana and sentencing him to one year imprisonment along with a fine of Rs 5000 under Pre conception and Pre Natal Diagnostic Test Act (PC & PNDT).
While stating this on Wednesday, an official spokesman said that this is the first case under the provisions of PC & PNDT Act filed and decided in the country. It is expected to go long way in curbing the menace of selective discrimination against women and those involved in exploiting the public, it is widely believed.
He said that on September 2, 2014 an FIR was lodged under Section 6 A, 3A, 22(1), 22(2), 22(3) and 23 of PC & PNDT Act in city Police Station, Gurgaon against the accused. The entire episode started when, Dr Pushpa Bishnoi- District Appropriate Authority cum Civil Surgeon, Gurgaon constituted a team comprising of Dr Sarya Sharma,Deputy Civil Surgeon-Gurgaon, Dr. Vijay- Deputy Civil Surgeon-Gurgaon and Amandeep Chauhan, Drugs Control Officer, Gurgaon, to take action against the culprits. The joint team of officials of FDA, Gurgaon, National Health Mission and Health Department followed up the matter and arranged a trap by engaging a decoy customer to purchase this kit. The accused Sanjay Khatana was caught red handed and was arrested. Subsequently, a raid was conducted at the office premises of the accused at Lawrence Road, Delhi.
He said that the follow up investigation revealed that the online drug kit contained Lady-Q (mini Microscope), Digital thermometer, Indikrom papers, I-sure (Ovulation Strips), Ovulation LH Test Strips, Pregnancy HCG Test, LH Strips, BBT Tablets along with the Booklet BGC Boy Guide. The team was stunned to see all these and the false claims published in these booklets regarding assured conception of baby boy, which amounts to contravention of the PC & PNDT Act. / (SK Vyas, Jalandhar)