Kolhapur: Two special public prosecutors will soon be appointed in each district to fast-track and prosecute cases involving illegal sex determination and sex-selective abortions, Neelam Gorhe, head of Maharashtra task force for effective implementation of Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act and Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act, said.
She said a joint standard operating procedure (SOP) will be drafted by the health and police departments to prevent cases from collapsing due to procedural flaws.
Gorhe chaired a meeting with Kolhapur district officials on Wednesday to review the implementation of both acts. She suggested studying past cases of both convictions and acquittals to help formulate the SOP.
“Joint training and practical drills should be conducted regarding panchnamas, equipment seizures and sealing, preservation of evidence, and court complaint procedures. The chronological sequence of each action and official records must be properly preserved. Planning must ensure continuity in court follow-ups even after officer transfers, and operational confidentiality must be strictly maintained,” Gorhe said.
Taking serious note of complaints regarding movement of illegal medical equipment across the border areas of Maharashtra and Karnataka, she said a joint interstate meeting involving authorities from Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Goa will be held. This meeting will facilitate information exchange, investigations, and joint border operations. She said a follow-up will be made with the divisional commissioner and the state govt for this purpose.
The task force chief expressed dissatisfaction with the awareness and enforcement efforts of Kolhapur Municipal Corporation (KMC). She directed the civic body to submit an independent report on inspections, actions taken, and ongoing court cases within its jurisdiction, and to prepare a centre-wise action programme within a month.
Additionally, a joint meeting involving the municipal commissioner, police, health officers, gynaecologists, and social organisations will be convened. She also emphasised the need to provide legal assistance and training to officers facing hurdles while performing their duties.
“I have asked the authorities to study why some talukas fare better in their sex ratio at birth, looking into what special efforts or community-driven approaches have been adopted. This will help us plan effectively to improve the overall sex ratio at birth,” Gorhe added.
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