#Appropriate Authority

The Supreme Court ruled that while police can file an FIR for alleged PCPNDT violations, the investigation must be conducted exclusively by the Act’s Appropriate Authority. Magistrates therefore cannot take cognizance of a police-prepared charge-sheet, curbing police powers in sex-selection cases.

Allahabad High Court holds that an officer authorized by the Appropriate Authority under Section 28(1)(a) of the PC & PNDT Act may file a complaint, even if not directly appointed by the State or Central Government.