In Brief
This petition sought directions to block websites and advertisements promoting sex determination and prenatal sex selection in violation of the 1994 Act. The Court held that search engines (Google, Yahoo, Microsoft) are legally obligated to comply with Section 22 of the PCPNDT Act and must implement an auto-block doctrine to prevent such content proactively. A Nodal Agency was established to receive complaints. While rejecting the search engines' defence under Article 19(1)(a), the Court emphasized that freedom of information does not extend to prohibited content. The Court directed a collaborative meeting between the government, search engines, civil society, and petitioner to develop comprehensive solutions beyond static keyword lists, recognizing the dynamic nature of internet challenges in protecting sex ratios and women's constitutional rights.
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