Abstract

The issue of medical negligence, particularly the distinction between civil and criminal liability, has been a source of confusion in Indian jurisprudence. The absence of a clear legal definition of medical negligence, combined with varying judicial interpretations, has complicated the adjudication of such cases. This paper examines the judicial framework surrounding medical negligence in India, focusing on landmark judgments like Jacob Mathew and Martin D’Souza. It explores the dilemma posed by the overlapping principles applied to both civil and criminal cases of medical negligence, addressing the confusion stemming from the interpretation of liability. The paper argues that there is no intrinsic distinction between civil and criminal medical negligence, as liability—whether civil or criminal—arises only after the negligence is proven. It also emphasizes the need for judicial clarity and consistency in applying legal standards to medical negligence cases.

• 1.   Jacob Mathew v. State of Punjab & Anr. (2005) 6 SCC 1.
• 2.   Martin F. D’Souza v. Mohd. Ishfaq (2009) 3 SCC 1.
• 3.   Indian Medical Association v. V.P. Shantha & Ors. (1995) 6 SCC 651.
• 4.   Dr. Suresh Gupta v. Government of NCT of Delhi, (2004) 6 SCC 422.
• 5.   Bolam v. Friern Hospital Management Committee: [1957] 1 WLR 582.
• 6.   AchutraoHaribhauKhodwa& Ors. v. State of Maharashtra & Ors. (1996) 2 SCC 634.
• 7.   Poonam Verma v. Ashwin Patel & Ors. (1996) 4 SCC 332.
• 8.   Consumer Protection Act, 1986.
• 9.   Indian Penal Code, 1860.
• 10.   Ratanlal &Dhirajlal’s Indian Penal Code,36th Edition, EBC, 2019: Definition of negligence.
• 11.   Law Commission of India Reports, 1958- 2006.
• 12.   Jacob Mathew v. State of Punjab & Anr. (2005) 6 SCC 1.
• 13.   Martin F. D’Souza v. Mohd. Ishfaq (2009) 3 SCC 1.
• 14.   Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023.
• 15.   Bolam v. Friern Hospital Management Committee: [1957] 1 WLR 582.
• 16.   AchutraoHaribhauKhodwa& Ors. v. State of Maharashtra & Ors. (1996) 2 SCC 634.
• 17.   Poonam Verma v. Ashwin Patel & Ors. (1996) 4 SCC 332.
• 18.   Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023.
• 19.   Kabra, SG. Civil Medical Negligence or Civil Liability for Criminal Medical Negligence: A Dilemma. https://www.legalserviceindia.com/ legal/article-18129-civil-medical-negligence-orcivil-liability-for-criminal-medical-negligence-adilemma.html.
• 20.   Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023.
• 21.   Law Commission of India Reports, 1958- 2006.

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