- (1.) On 25.11.2014, this Court, after referring to the malady relating to reduction of sex ratio in various States, had directed as follows: "In our considered opinion, there should be a verification of the documents that form the basis on which these figures have been arrived at. Let it be clarified that the figures that have been put forth do not show any indication of improvement but we would like to have it verified to satisfy ourselves whether the figure that has been put forth is correct or not. The purpose is to find out whether there is degradation of the sex ratio or a stagnation or any steps have really been taken by the concerned States to improve/enhance the sex ratio or not In view of the aforesaid, we direct that a meeting be held under the auspices of National Inspection and Monitoring Committee wherein the Additional Secretary who has filed the affidavit for the Union of India and two other Joint Secretaries of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare shall remain present. The deponents who have filed the affidavits before this Court on behalf of the States of Uttar Pradesh and NCT of Delhi shall remain present. The Director General, Health Services, State of Haryana shall remain present in the meeting The Principal Secretary along with the Special Secretary, State of Uttar Pradesh shall remain present in the meeting. To avoid any amount of controversy, we fix the date for the meeting on 03.12.2014 at 10.30 a.m. The State shall produce the relevant registers/records before the said Committee. We are sure, the States should be in a position to produce the registers/record in the meeting so that it can be scrutinized. Any discrepancy in this respect shall not be appreciated for the States must have prepared the chart on the basis of the such registers/records. We recapitulate the saying, "Awake, Arise, Oh ! Parth" and we say this to the States so that they can really wake up to take the issue of female feticide with all seriousness and sincere concern." Thereafter, the data provided by the States of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and NCT of Delhi have been verified. As far as the said States are concerned, the data that has been furnished has been found to be approximately correct.
(2.) Learned Counsel for the Petitioners prays for some time to file a status report in respect of the State of NCT of Delhi. He may do so within a week hence. The Status report that is to be filed by the Petitioner would be considered on the next date of hearing and appropriate directions shall be issued qua the State of NCT of Delhi so that the sex ratio is increased in a respectable, acceptable and socially relevant manner. Learned Counsel for the State of NCT of Delhi is at liberty to file a reply to the status report.
(3.) As had been indicated in the earlier order dated 25.11.2014, the data of four other States, i.e., Bihar, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu are to be verified in the same manner.;