Pune: In a delayed but significant action, the Maharashtra Medical Council (MMC) has suspended the medical license of Pune-based radiologist Dr. Neena Mathrani for a period of five years, following her conviction for conducting illegal sex-determination tests in violation of the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PC-PNDT) Act.
Confirming the development, MMC Administrator Dr. Vinky Rughwani told The Indian Express that the council recently issued the suspension order. However, he declined to explain the cause of the delay, as the case dates back to 2011. “I assumed office just last year and have been working to clear a backlog of cases. Hearings in at least 20 other PCPNDT violations are also scheduled soon,” he added.
Case Dates Back to 2011 Sting Operation
The case originally came to light in 2011 after a sting operation led by activist Kiran Moghe of the Janwadi Sanghatana exposed illegal sex determination practices at a sonography and MTP center in Pune. A decoy couple paid ₹9,000 and were directed by a gynaecologist to Dr. Mathrani’s clinic for a sex-determination test.
Investigations by the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and the state family welfare department confirmed longstanding violations at the facility. Irregularities included improper documentation, absence of patient consent, and breach of laws prohibiting disclosure of foetal sex.
The gynaecologist involved, Dr. Makarand Ranade, passed away during the trial. The Appropriate Authority at the time, Dr. Vaishali Jadhav, had filed the official complaint.
Conviction in 2019, License Suspension in 2025
In 2019, Judicial Magistrate (First Class) Vishakha Patil convicted Dr. Mathrani under the PCPNDT Act, sentencing her to three years of rigorous imprisonment and imposing a fine of ₹10,000. An additional five-month simple imprisonment was ordered in case of non-payment. Despite this, the MMC only suspended her license six years later.
The PMC’s legal department confirmed the case is currently under appeal in the sessions court. According to Section 23(2) of the PCPNDT Act, medical councils are to be notified once charges are framed against registered practitioners for violations under the Act.
Criticism Over Delay in Action
Activist Kiran Moghe, now a member of the PMC’s advisory committee for implementing the Act, criticised the delay, stating, “It’s unfortunate that the MMC dragged its feet despite a clear conviction years ago.”
Dr. Rupali Budhkar from the PC-PNDT cell at PMC confirmed that the case details had been forwarded to MMC back in 2019, in line with procedural guidelines.
