HC pulls up Customs department for failing to check import of gender determination kits

Chandigarh, April 04 Expressing strong regret for failing to keep a check on the import of gender determination kits in Punjab and Haryana, Chief Justice of Punjab and Haryana High Court Vijender Kumar Jain today pulled up the Customs Department.
The Chairman of the Central Excise Board has been directed to file an affidavit owing to no reply by the Customs Department against the suo moto action taken by the High Court on a news report highlighting easy import of gender determination kits.
In its reply today, the counsel representing the Union of India submitted that the Customs Department is finding it very difficult to detect such determination kits. It further contended the department has not been able to apprehend a single person till date. However, the committee has decided to take strict action against the person who is found importing such kits.
Coming down heavily on such a reply, the Chief Justice observed “The stand taken in this regard is as vague as possible”. On the last date of hearing, the High Court to furnish details of gender determination kits being brought from abroad. Expressing strong disapproval on the Customs department for having failed to detect import of such kits and unable to apprehend even a single person, the Chief Justice expressed concern on the declining sex ratio in the states. The High Court also disapproved the non-filing of a reply by the department as directed by the court on the last date of hearing.
Taking a dig at the Customs Department for taking such a vague stand, the Chief Justice observed that proper mind has not been applied by the officials on such a sensitive issue. “The sex ratio in Punjab and Haryana is declining at an alarming rate and if all possible concerted efforts are not made then enormous amount of money spent by the Central Government in improving the sex ratio will be of no consequence if this is not checked as to how these kits are being imported”, Jain held.
Hoping that the Customs department will gear up, the Chief Justice further observed “We are confident that the Customs Department by using expertise will sensitise custom department about consequences of declining sex ratio and instead of having the matter decided in committee after committee, will take effective steps.”
RAGHAV OHRI
Posted online: Saturday , April 05, 2008 at 12:15:24Updated: Saturday , April 05, 2008 at 12:15:24 www.expressindia.com