Section 8 in The Punjab Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (Control and Regulation) Act, 1994
8. Functions of the Authority.
(1)The Authority shall, subject to the general directions of the State Government perform all or any of the following functions, namely :-(i)to advise the State Government on policy matters relating to the use of pre-natal diagnostic procedures and pre-natal diagnostic techniques;(ii)to make recommendations to the State Government, keeping in view the progress in science, evolution of new procedures and techniques in the field of medical and other scientific techniques of pre-natal diagnosis;(iii)to consider applications made to it under section 9 for the grant, or, under section 10 for the renewal of, certificates of registration in respect of genetic clinics, genetic laboratories and genetic counselling centres;(iv)to consider complaints made to it under this Act and the rules made thereunder and to take action for the suspension or cancellation of certificates of registration under section 11;(v)to issue guidelines for the standards to be maintained in the genetic clinics, genetic laboratories and genetic counselling centres;(vi)to supervise and monitor the performance of genetic clinics, genetic laboratories and genetic counselling centres;(vii)to evolve a code of conduct for the persons who own, manage or run the genetic clinics, genetic centres and for the persons employed therein;(viii)to create public awareness against the practice of female foeticide which results in discrimination against women even from the pre-natal stage;(ix)generally to supervise the implementation of the provisions of this Act and the rules made thereunder; and(x)to perform such other functions as the State Government may specify.(2)In discharging its functions under this Act, the Authority shall have all the powers of a civil court trying a suit and, in particular, in respect of the following matters, namely:-(a)summoning and enforcing the attendance of any person, and examining him on oath or affirmation;(b)requiring the discovery and production of any document;(c)receiving evidence on affidavits; and(d)issuing commissions for the examination of witness and documents.
