Cannot curtail curiosity: SC on sex determination test ads

The Supreme Court, which today heard a plea seeking direction to ban sex determination test advertisements on web portals, observed that it cannot curtail free choice of a researcher as right to know is a fundamental right.

A three-judge bench presided by Justice Dipak Misra asserted that the court cannot refrain a researchers quest.

"We cannot curtail free choice of researcher as right to know is a fundamental right. This will be dangerous," the apex court said.

"There should be no advertisement on sex determination. If somebody does it, it is an offence. But suppose we pass any general order (banning all info relating to sex determination on web), it would offend Article 19(1)(a). It has got its own pedestal and sanctity and we don't think anybody should derail it," it added.

Sabu Mathews George, the petitioner in this case, sought blocking of sex determination test advertisements on web portals including Google, Yahoo and Microsoft.

Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi presented that the distinction between right to know and advertisement must be recognised.

The apex court adjourned the matter till April 13.

The apex court had earlier on February 17 pulled up search engine giants Google, Yahoo and Microsoft for allowing online advertisements on sex determination tests, prohibited in India.