{"id":15856,"date":"2026-02-18T08:20:37","date_gmt":"2026-02-18T08:20:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/?p=15856"},"modified":"2026-02-18T08:25:45","modified_gmt":"2026-02-18T08:25:45","slug":"exclude-healthcare-from-consumer-protection-act-pil-grounds","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/exclude-healthcare-from-consumer-protection-act-pil-grounds\/","title":{"rendered":"Health Care Services to be Ousted from the Consumer Protection Act 2019: the Grounds and the Arguments"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"pil-healthcare-cpa-question\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Q_A_PIL_Has_Been_Filed_By_Medical_Association_To_Oust_Health_Care_From_The_Purview_Of_Cpa_The_Court_Has_Issued_Notice_To_The_Nmc_And_The_Government_What_Are_The_Grounds_And_Arguments_That_Should_Be_Taken\"><\/span>Q. A PIL Has Been Filed By Medical Association To Oust Health Care From The Purview Of Cpa. The Court Has Issued Notice To The Nmc And The Government. What Are The Grounds And Arguments That Should Be Taken?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are the key grounds and arguments that can be advanced in support of the PIL seeking to exclude healthcare services from the ambit of the Consumer Protection Act (CPA), 2019:<\/p><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_82_2 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #0c0c0c;color:#0c0c0c\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #0c0c0c;color:#0c0c0c\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/exclude-healthcare-from-consumer-protection-act-pil-grounds\/#Q_A_PIL_Has_Been_Filed_By_Medical_Association_To_Oust_Health_Care_From_The_Purview_Of_Cpa_The_Court_Has_Issued_Notice_To_The_Nmc_And_The_Government_What_Are_The_Grounds_And_Arguments_That_Should_Be_Taken\" >Q. A PIL Has Been Filed By Medical Association To Oust Health Care From The Purview Of Cpa. The Court Has Issued Notice To The Nmc And The Government. What Are The Grounds And Arguments That Should Be Taken?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/exclude-healthcare-from-consumer-protection-act-pil-grounds\/#1_Fiduciary_Nature_Of_Doctor%E2%80%93Patient_Relationship\" >1. Fiduciary Nature Of Doctor\u2013Patient Relationship<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/exclude-healthcare-from-consumer-protection-act-pil-grounds\/#2_Parity_With_Other_Professions\" >2. Parity With Other Professions<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/exclude-healthcare-from-consumer-protection-act-pil-grounds\/#3_Defensive_Medicine_Rising_Costs\" >3. Defensive Medicine &amp; Rising Costs<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/exclude-healthcare-from-consumer-protection-act-pil-grounds\/#4_Existing_Regulatory_Framework\" >4. Existing Regulatory Framework<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/exclude-healthcare-from-consumer-protection-act-pil-grounds\/#5_VP_Shantha_Precedent_Needs_Reconsideration\" >5. V.P. Shantha Precedent Needs Reconsideration<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/exclude-healthcare-from-consumer-protection-act-pil-grounds\/#6_Public_Interest_Accessibility\" >6. Public Interest &amp; Accessibility<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/exclude-healthcare-from-consumer-protection-act-pil-grounds\/#Strategic_Framing_For_Arguments\" >Strategic Framing For Arguments<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/exclude-healthcare-from-consumer-protection-act-pil-grounds\/#Q_A_Structured_Note\" >Q. A Structured Note<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/exclude-healthcare-from-consumer-protection-act-pil-grounds\/#Structured_Note_Grounds_Arguments_For_Excluding_Healthcare_From_Cpa\" >Structured Note: Grounds &amp; Arguments For Excluding Healthcare From Cpa<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/exclude-healthcare-from-consumer-protection-act-pil-grounds\/#I_Introduction\" >I. Introduction<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/exclude-healthcare-from-consumer-protection-act-pil-grounds\/#II_Legal_Grounds\" >II. Legal Grounds<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/exclude-healthcare-from-consumer-protection-act-pil-grounds\/#1_Fiduciary_Relationship\" >1. Fiduciary Relationship<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/exclude-healthcare-from-consumer-protection-act-pil-grounds\/#2_Parity_With_Other_Professions-2\" >2. Parity With Other Professions<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/exclude-healthcare-from-consumer-protection-act-pil-grounds\/#3_Existing_Statutory_Framework\" >3. Existing Statutory Framework<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/exclude-healthcare-from-consumer-protection-act-pil-grounds\/#4_Precedent_Reconsideration\" >4. Precedent Reconsideration<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/exclude-healthcare-from-consumer-protection-act-pil-grounds\/#III_Policy_Grounds\" >III. Policy Grounds<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/exclude-healthcare-from-consumer-protection-act-pil-grounds\/#1_Defensive_Medicine\" >1. Defensive Medicine<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/exclude-healthcare-from-consumer-protection-act-pil-grounds\/#2_Accessibility_Expertise\" >2. Accessibility &amp; Expertise<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/exclude-healthcare-from-consumer-protection-act-pil-grounds\/#3_Public_Interest\" >3. Public Interest<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/exclude-healthcare-from-consumer-protection-act-pil-grounds\/#IV_Constitutional_Grounds\" >IV. Constitutional Grounds<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/exclude-healthcare-from-consumer-protection-act-pil-grounds\/#1_Article_21_%E2%80%93_Right_To_Health\" >1. Article 21 \u2013 Right To Health<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-23\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/exclude-healthcare-from-consumer-protection-act-pil-grounds\/#2_Article_14_%E2%80%93_Equality\" >2. Article 14 \u2013 Equality<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-24\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/exclude-healthcare-from-consumer-protection-act-pil-grounds\/#V_Reliefs_Sought\" >V. Reliefs Sought<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-25\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/exclude-healthcare-from-consumer-protection-act-pil-grounds\/#VI_Suggested_Advocacy_Strategy\" >VI. Suggested Advocacy Strategy<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-26\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/exclude-healthcare-from-consumer-protection-act-pil-grounds\/#Q_Draft_Of_A_Formal_%E2%80%9CWritten_Submission%E2%80%9D_Format_With_Headings_Like_Facts_Issues_Arguments_Prayer_So_It_Mirrors_What_Counsel_Would_File_In_Court\" >Q. Draft Of A Formal \u201cWritten Submission\u201d Format (With Headings Like Facts, Issues, Arguments, Prayer) So It Mirrors What Counsel Would File In Court?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-27\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/exclude-healthcare-from-consumer-protection-act-pil-grounds\/#I_Facts\" >I. Facts<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-28\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/exclude-healthcare-from-consumer-protection-act-pil-grounds\/#II_Issues\" >II. Issues<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-29\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/exclude-healthcare-from-consumer-protection-act-pil-grounds\/#III_Arguments\" >III. Arguments<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-30\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/exclude-healthcare-from-consumer-protection-act-pil-grounds\/#A_Fiduciary_Nature_Of_Doctor%E2%80%93Patient_Relationship\" >A. Fiduciary Nature Of Doctor\u2013Patient Relationship<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-31\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/exclude-healthcare-from-consumer-protection-act-pil-grounds\/#B_Parity_With_Other_Professions\" >B. Parity With Other Professions<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-32\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/exclude-healthcare-from-consumer-protection-act-pil-grounds\/#C_Existing_Regulatory_Framework\" >C. Existing Regulatory Framework<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-33\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/exclude-healthcare-from-consumer-protection-act-pil-grounds\/#D_Defensive_Medicine_Rising_Costs\" >D. Defensive Medicine &amp; Rising Costs<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-34\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/exclude-healthcare-from-consumer-protection-act-pil-grounds\/#E_Inadequacy_Of_Consumer_Forums\" >E. Inadequacy Of Consumer Forums<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-35\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/exclude-healthcare-from-consumer-protection-act-pil-grounds\/#F_Need_To_Reconsider_VP_Shantha\" >F. Need To Reconsider V.P. Shantha<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-36\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/exclude-healthcare-from-consumer-protection-act-pil-grounds\/#IV_Prayer\" >IV. Prayer<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-37\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/exclude-healthcare-from-consumer-protection-act-pil-grounds\/#Legislative_Process_as_Evidence_of_Intent\" >Legislative Process as Evidence of Intent<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-38\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/exclude-healthcare-from-consumer-protection-act-pil-grounds\/#1_Inclusion_In_CPA_Bill_2018\" >1. Inclusion In CPA Bill, 2018<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-39\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/exclude-healthcare-from-consumer-protection-act-pil-grounds\/#2_Deliberate_Exclusion_In_CPA_Bill_2019\" >2. Deliberate Exclusion In CPA Bill, 2019<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-40\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/exclude-healthcare-from-consumer-protection-act-pil-grounds\/#3_Parliamentary_Intent\" >3. Parliamentary Intent<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-41\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/exclude-healthcare-from-consumer-protection-act-pil-grounds\/#How_To_Use_This_In_Argument\" >How To Use This In Argument<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-42\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/exclude-healthcare-from-consumer-protection-act-pil-grounds\/#Suggested_Framing_In_Written_Submissions\" >Suggested Framing In Written Submissions<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-43\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/exclude-healthcare-from-consumer-protection-act-pil-grounds\/#Argument_Heading_Legislative_History_Demonstrates_Clear_Parliamentary_Intent_To_Exclude_Healthcare_From_CPA\" >Argument Heading: Legislative History Demonstrates Clear Parliamentary Intent To Exclude Healthcare From CPA<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-44\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/exclude-healthcare-from-consumer-protection-act-pil-grounds\/#Issue-Wise_Argument_Note_Oral_Outline\" >Issue-Wise Argument Note (Oral Outline)<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-45\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/exclude-healthcare-from-consumer-protection-act-pil-grounds\/#Issue_1_Fiduciary_Nature_Of_Doctor%E2%80%93Patient_Relationship\" >Issue 1: Fiduciary Nature Of Doctor\u2013Patient Relationship<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-46\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/exclude-healthcare-from-consumer-protection-act-pil-grounds\/#Issue_2_Existing_Regulatory_Framework\" >Issue 2: Existing Regulatory Framework<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-47\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/exclude-healthcare-from-consumer-protection-act-pil-grounds\/#Issue_3_Defensive_Medicine_Rising_Costs\" >Issue 3: Defensive Medicine &amp; Rising Costs<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-48\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/exclude-healthcare-from-consumer-protection-act-pil-grounds\/#Issue_4_Inadequacy_Of_Consumer_Forums\" >Issue 4: Inadequacy Of Consumer Forums<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-49\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/exclude-healthcare-from-consumer-protection-act-pil-grounds\/#Issue_5_Legislative_Intent_And_Parliamentary_Debate\" >Issue 5: Legislative Intent And Parliamentary Debate<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-50\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/exclude-healthcare-from-consumer-protection-act-pil-grounds\/#Issue_6_Need_To_Reconsider_VP_Shantha\" >Issue 6: Need To Reconsider V.P. Shantha<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-51\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/exclude-healthcare-from-consumer-protection-act-pil-grounds\/#Prayer_Oral_Outline\" >Prayer (Oral Outline)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-52\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/exclude-healthcare-from-consumer-protection-act-pil-grounds\/#Ground_Evolved_Medical_Negligence_Jurisprudence_Supports_Exclusion\" >Ground: Evolved Medical Negligence Jurisprudence Supports Exclusion<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-53\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/exclude-healthcare-from-consumer-protection-act-pil-grounds\/#1_Specialized_Judicial_Standards\" >1. Specialized Judicial Standards<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-54\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/exclude-healthcare-from-consumer-protection-act-pil-grounds\/#2_Recognition_of_Professional_Autonomy\" >2. Recognition of Professional Autonomy<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-55\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/exclude-healthcare-from-consumer-protection-act-pil-grounds\/#3_Consumer_Forums_Lack_Expertise\" >3. Consumer Forums Lack Expertise<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-56\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/exclude-healthcare-from-consumer-protection-act-pil-grounds\/#4_Recent_Supreme_Court_Developments\" >4. Recent Supreme Court Developments<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-57\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/exclude-healthcare-from-consumer-protection-act-pil-grounds\/#5_Harmonization_with_Legislative_Intent\" >5. Harmonization with Legislative Intent<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-58\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/exclude-healthcare-from-consumer-protection-act-pil-grounds\/#To_Frame_in_Submissions\" >To Frame in Submissions<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-59\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/exclude-healthcare-from-consumer-protection-act-pil-grounds\/#Issue_Heading_Evolved_Medical_Negligence_Jurisprudence_Favors_Exclusion_from_CPA\" >Issue Heading: Evolved Medical Negligence Jurisprudence Favors Exclusion from CPA<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-60\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/exclude-healthcare-from-consumer-protection-act-pil-grounds\/#Oral_Outline_Points\" >Oral Outline Points:<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-61\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/exclude-healthcare-from-consumer-protection-act-pil-grounds\/#Ground_Evolved_Medical_Negligence_Jurisprudence_Supports_Exclusion-2\" >Ground: Evolved Medical Negligence Jurisprudence Supports Exclusion<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-62\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/exclude-healthcare-from-consumer-protection-act-pil-grounds\/#1_Supreme_Courts_Refinement_Of_Standards\" >1. Supreme Court\u2019s Refinement Of Standards<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-63\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/exclude-healthcare-from-consumer-protection-act-pil-grounds\/#2_Recognition_Of_Professional_Autonomy\" >2. Recognition Of Professional Autonomy<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-64\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/exclude-healthcare-from-consumer-protection-act-pil-grounds\/#3_Consumer_Forums_Lack_Expertise-2\" >3. Consumer Forums Lack Expertise<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-65\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/exclude-healthcare-from-consumer-protection-act-pil-grounds\/#4_Harmonization_With_Legislative_Intent\" >4. Harmonization With Legislative Intent<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-66\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/exclude-healthcare-from-consumer-protection-act-pil-grounds\/#5_Current_Judicial_Climate\" >5. Current Judicial Climate<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-67\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/exclude-healthcare-from-consumer-protection-act-pil-grounds\/#Suggested_Framing_In_Submissions\" >Suggested Framing In Submissions<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-68\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/exclude-healthcare-from-consumer-protection-act-pil-grounds\/#Issue_Heading_Evolved_Medical_Negligence_Jurisprudence_Favors_Exclusion_From_CPA\" >Issue Heading: Evolved Medical Negligence Jurisprudence Favors Exclusion From CPA<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-69\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/exclude-healthcare-from-consumer-protection-act-pil-grounds\/#Oral_Outline_Points-2\" >Oral Outline Points:<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"fiduciary-nature\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Fiduciary_Nature_Of_Doctor%E2%80%93Patient_Relationship\"><\/span>1. Fiduciary Nature Of Doctor\u2013Patient Relationship<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Medical services are not commercial transactions but fiduciary engagements based on trust and ethics.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Treating patients as \u201cconsumers\u201d undermines the moral foundation of medical practice and erodes confidence in doctors.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"parity-professions\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Parity_With_Other_Professions\"><\/span>2. Parity With Other Professions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Lawyers were recently excluded from CPA on the ground that their services are fiduciary and not commercial.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Doctors similarly deserve parity, as their professional obligations are governed by ethical codes and statutory regulations, not market principles.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"defensive-medicine\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Defensive_Medicine_Rising_Costs\"><\/span>3. Defensive Medicine &amp; Rising Costs<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Fear of consumer litigation encourages \u201cdefensive medicine,\u201d where doctors order unnecessary tests and procedures to shield themselves from liability.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>This inflates healthcare costs and burdens patients financially, contrary to the welfare-oriented spirit of medical practice.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"existing-regulatory-framework\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Existing_Regulatory_Framework\"><\/span>4. Existing Regulatory Framework<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Healthcare is already regulated by:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>National Medical Commission (NMC) Act<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Clinical Establishments Act<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Indian Penal Code (for criminal negligence)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Civil law remedies (tort law, compensation claims)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Adding CPA jurisdiction creates double jeopardy and overlapping forums, leading to confusion and harassment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"vp-shantha-precedent\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_VP_Shantha_Precedent_Needs_Reconsideration\"><\/span>5. V.P. Shantha Precedent Needs Reconsideration<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The 1995 Indian Medical Association v. V.P. Shantha judgment brought medical services under CPA.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Petitioners argue that this precedent is outdated, as healthcare delivery has evolved significantly in the last three decades.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The CPA 2019 framework is designed for commercial goods\/services, not for professional fiduciary services like medicine.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"public-interest-accessibility\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"6_Public_Interest_Accessibility\"><\/span>6. Public Interest &amp; Accessibility<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Consumer forums are not equipped to assess complex medical evidence and standards of care.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Specialized medical councils and courts are better suited to adjudicate negligence claims.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Keeping healthcare under CPA risks inconsistent rulings and undermines professional autonomy.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"strategic-framing\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Strategic_Framing_For_Arguments\"><\/span>Strategic Framing For Arguments<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><th>Framing Type<\/th><th>Argument<\/th><\/tr><tr><td>Ethical Framing<\/td><td>Doctors are healers, not traders; medicine is a calling, not commerce.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Legal Framing<\/td><td>Fiduciary duty parallels with lawyers; existing statutory remedies suffice.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Policy Framing<\/td><td>CPA inclusion distorts healthcare economics, increases costs, and fosters mistrust.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Judicial Framing<\/td><td>Revisit V.P. Shantha in light of changed circumstances and parity with other professions.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"structured-note-question\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Q_A_Structured_Note\"><\/span>Q. A Structured Note<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s a structured note \/ skeleton argument for advocacy or academic submission regarding the PIL to exclude healthcare services from the ambit of the Consumer Protection Act (CPA):<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"structured-note-title\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Structured_Note_Grounds_Arguments_For_Excluding_Healthcare_From_Cpa\"><\/span>Structured Note: Grounds &amp; Arguments For Excluding Healthcare From Cpa<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"introduction\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"I_Introduction\"><\/span>I. Introduction<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The PIL challenges the inclusion of healthcare services under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Relief sought: Declaration that medical services are not \u201cservices\u201d under CPA, and exclusion of healthcare from consumer forum jurisdiction.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"legal-grounds\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"II_Legal_Grounds\"><\/span>II. Legal Grounds<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"legal-fiduciary\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Fiduciary_Relationship\"><\/span>1. Fiduciary Relationship<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Doctor\u2013patient relationship is fiduciary, not commercial.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fiduciary services are excluded from CPA (e.g., lawyers).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Medicine is governed by ethics, not market principles.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"legal-parity\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Parity_With_Other_Professions-2\"><\/span>2. Parity With Other Professions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Lawyers excluded from CPA by recent judicial pronouncements.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Doctors similarly deserve parity, as both professions are regulated by statutory bodies and codes of conduct.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"legal-framework\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Existing_Statutory_Framework\"><\/span>3. Existing Statutory Framework<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Healthcare already regulated by:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>National Medical Commission Act, 2019<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Clinical Establishments Act, 2010<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Indian Penal Code (criminal negligence)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Civil law (tort remedies)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>CPA jurisdiction creates duplication and double jeopardy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"legal-precedent\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Precedent_Reconsideration\"><\/span>4. Precedent Reconsideration<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Indian Medical Association v. V.P. Shantha (1995) brought medical services under CPA.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Circumstances have changed: healthcare delivery is more complex, regulated, and specialized.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>CPA 2019 is designed for commercial goods\/services, not fiduciary professional services.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"policy-grounds\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"III_Policy_Grounds\"><\/span>III. Policy Grounds<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"policy-defensive\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Defensive_Medicine\"><\/span>1. Defensive Medicine<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Fear of consumer litigation leads to unnecessary tests\/procedures.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Increases healthcare costs and burdens patients.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"policy-expertise\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Accessibility_Expertise\"><\/span>2. Accessibility &amp; Expertise<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Consumer forums lack medical expertise to adjudicate negligence.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Specialized medical councils and courts are better suited.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"policy-public-interest\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Public_Interest\"><\/span>3. Public Interest<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>CPA inclusion undermines trust in doctors.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Risk of inconsistent rulings and erosion of professional autonomy.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"constitutional-grounds\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"IV_Constitutional_Grounds\"><\/span>IV. Constitutional Grounds<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"article21\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Article_21_%E2%80%93_Right_To_Health\"><\/span>1. Article 21 \u2013 Right To Health<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Defensive medicine and rising costs infringe on affordable healthcare.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>CPA inclusion indirectly violates the right to health.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"article14\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Article_14_%E2%80%93_Equality\"><\/span>2. Article 14 \u2013 Equality<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Unequal treatment vis-\u00e0-vis lawyers, who are excluded.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Arbitrary classification of doctors as \u201cservice providers.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"reliefs-sought\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"V_Reliefs_Sought\"><\/span>V. Reliefs Sought<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Declaration that medical services are not \u201cservices\u201d under CPA.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Direction to NMC\/Government to frame exclusive grievance redressal mechanisms for patients.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Reconsideration of V.P. Shantha precedent in light of changed circumstances.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"advocacy-strategy\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"VI_Suggested_Advocacy_Strategy\"><\/span>VI. Suggested Advocacy Strategy<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Ethical framing: Doctors are healers, not traders.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Legal framing: Fiduciary duty parallels with lawyers.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Policy framing: CPA distorts healthcare economics.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Judicial framing: Revisit outdated precedent.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"draft-written-submission\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Q_Draft_Of_A_Formal_%E2%80%9CWritten_Submission%E2%80%9D_Format_With_Headings_Like_Facts_Issues_Arguments_Prayer_So_It_Mirrors_What_Counsel_Would_File_In_Court\"><\/span>Q. Draft Of A Formal \u201cWritten Submission\u201d Format (With Headings Like Facts, Issues, Arguments, Prayer) So It Mirrors What Counsel Would File In Court?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Formal Written Submission Draft In The Style Of Pleadings Before The Court.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>IN THE HON\u2019BLE SUPREME COURT OF INDIA<\/strong><br>(Civil Original Jurisdiction)<br>PUBLIC INTEREST LITIGATION (PIL)<br><strong>Written Submission On Behalf Of The Petitioner<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"facts\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"I_Facts\"><\/span>I. Facts<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The present PIL challenges the inclusion of healthcare services within the ambit of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 (CPA).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The Hon\u2019ble Court in Indian Medical Association v. V.P. Shantha (1995) held that medical services fall under the definition of \u201cservice\u201d under the CPA, thereby opening the door for consumer forum jurisdiction over medical negligence claims.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Subsequently, the CPA 2019 has continued this position, despite significant changes in healthcare delivery, regulation, and professional accountability frameworks.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Recently, lawyers have been excluded from CPA coverage on the ground that their services are fiduciary in nature. Doctors, similarly, render fiduciary services governed by ethics and statutory regulation, not commercial contracts.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The present petition seeks reconsideration of the applicability of CPA to healthcare services, in light of constitutional, legal, and policy concerns.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"issues\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"II_Issues\"><\/span>II. Issues<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Whether medical services, being fiduciary in nature, can be treated as \u201ccommercial services\u201d under the CPA.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Whether inclusion of healthcare under CPA leads to duplication of remedies and double jeopardy, given existing statutory frameworks.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Whether parity requires exclusion of doctors from CPA, similar to lawyers.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Whether continued inclusion of healthcare under CPA violates Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"arguments\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"III_Arguments\"><\/span>III. Arguments<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"fiduciary-nature\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"A_Fiduciary_Nature_Of_Doctor%E2%80%93Patient_Relationship\"><\/span>A. Fiduciary Nature Of Doctor\u2013Patient Relationship<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The doctor\u2013patient relationship is based on trust, ethics, and fiduciary duty, not commerce.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Treating patients as \u201cconsumers\u201d undermines the moral foundation of medical practice.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fiduciary services are excluded from CPA, as seen in the case of lawyers.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"parity-with-professions\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"B_Parity_With_Other_Professions\"><\/span>B. Parity With Other Professions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Lawyers have been excluded from CPA coverage.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Doctors deserve similar treatment, as both professions are regulated by statutory bodies and codes of conduct.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Unequal treatment amounts to arbitrary classification, violating Article 14.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"existing-regulatory-framework\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"C_Existing_Regulatory_Framework\"><\/span>C. Existing Regulatory Framework<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Healthcare is already regulated by:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><th>Law \/ Mechanism<\/th><th>Purpose<\/th><\/tr><tr><td>National Medical Commission Act, 2019<\/td><td>Professional regulation and discipline<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Clinical Establishments Act, 2010<\/td><td>Standards and registration of hospitals<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Indian Penal Code (criminal negligence)<\/td><td>Criminal liability for gross negligence<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Civil law remedies (tort law)<\/td><td>Compensation through courts<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>CPA jurisdiction creates duplication, confusion, and harassment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"defensive-medicine\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"D_Defensive_Medicine_Rising_Costs\"><\/span>D. Defensive Medicine &amp; Rising Costs<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Fear of consumer litigation encourages unnecessary tests and procedures.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>This inflates healthcare costs and burdens patients financially.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Defensive medicine undermines affordable healthcare, violating Article 21.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"inadequacy-consumer-forums\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"E_Inadequacy_Of_Consumer_Forums\"><\/span>E. Inadequacy Of Consumer Forums<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Consumer forums lack medical expertise to adjudicate complex medical negligence claims.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Specialized medical councils and courts are better suited to assess professional standards.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>CPA inclusion risks inconsistent rulings and erosion of professional autonomy.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"reconsider-vp-shantha\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"F_Need_To_Reconsider_VP_Shantha\"><\/span>F. Need To Reconsider V.P. Shantha<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The precedent of V.P. Shantha is outdated.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Healthcare delivery has evolved significantly in the last three decades.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>CPA 2019 is designed for commercial goods\/services, not fiduciary professional services.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"prayer\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"IV_Prayer\"><\/span>IV. Prayer<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In light of the above, it is respectfully prayed that this Hon\u2019ble Court may be pleased to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Declare that medical services do not fall within the definition of \u201cservice\u201d under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Direct the National Medical Commission and the Government of India to frame exclusive grievance redressal mechanisms for patients, ensuring accountability without undermining fiduciary trust.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Reconsider and overrule the precedent laid down in Indian Medical Association v. V.P. Shantha (1995), in light of changed circumstances and parity with other professions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pass such other orders as this Hon\u2019ble Court may deem fit in the interests of justice.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Filed by:<\/strong><br>Counsel for the Petitioner [Medical Association]<strong>Q. Should the legislative process and debate on first including Health care in CP Bill 2018 and then specifically excluding it from 2019 Bill that became the Act, be an argument to be taken to reflect clear intent of the parliament?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes \u2014 the legislative history of the Consumer Protection Bill, 2018 and the subsequent 2019 Act is a very strong argument to demonstrate Parliament\u2019s clear intent. Courts often look at the evolution of a statute to interpret its scope, especially when there is ambiguity or competing precedents. Here\u2019s how you can frame it:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"legislative-process-as-evidence-of-intent\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Legislative_Process_as_Evidence_of_Intent\"><\/span>Legislative Process as Evidence of Intent<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"inclusion-in-cpa-bill-2018\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Inclusion_In_CPA_Bill_2018\"><\/span>1. Inclusion In CPA Bill, 2018<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The 2018 Bill initially included healthcare services within the definition of \u201cservice.\u201d<br>This reflected a continuation of the V.P. Shantha precedent (1995), which had judicially expanded CPA coverage to medical services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"deliberate-exclusion-in-cpa-bill-2019\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Deliberate_Exclusion_In_CPA_Bill_2019\"><\/span>2. Deliberate Exclusion In CPA Bill, 2019<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>During parliamentary debate and redrafting, healthcare was specifically excluded from the definition of \u201cservice.\u201d<br>This exclusion was not accidental but deliberate, reflecting recognition of the fiduciary nature of medical practice and the need for specialized regulation.<br>The exclusion aligns with the principle of <em>expressio unius est exclusio alterius<\/em> (the express mention of one thing excludes others).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"parliamentary-intent\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Parliamentary_Intent\"><\/span>3. Parliamentary Intent<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The shift between 2018 and 2019 shows Parliament consciously reconsidered the position.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>By excluding healthcare, Parliament intended to remove medical services from consumer forum jurisdiction.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Courts are bound to respect legislative intent, especially when Parliament has spoken clearly after debate.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how-to-use-this-in-argument\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_To_Use_This_In_Argument\"><\/span>How To Use This In Argument<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Highlight deliberate change:<\/strong> Stress that Parliament debated and consciously altered the Bill before enactment.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Contrast with lawyers:<\/strong> Just as lawyers were excluded, doctors were also meant to be excluded \u2014 showing parity across fiduciary professions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Interpretive principle:<\/strong> Courts must give effect to legislative intent and cannot reintroduce what Parliament has expressly removed.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Constitutional backing:<\/strong> Arbitrary judicial expansion against legislative exclusion would violate separation of powers and Article 14.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"suggested-framing-in-written-submissions\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Suggested_Framing_In_Written_Submissions\"><\/span>Suggested Framing In Written Submissions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"argument-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Argument_Heading_Legislative_History_Demonstrates_Clear_Parliamentary_Intent_To_Exclude_Healthcare_From_CPA\"><\/span>Argument Heading: Legislative History Demonstrates Clear Parliamentary Intent To Exclude Healthcare From CPA<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>\u201cThe Consumer Protection Bill, 2018 initially included healthcare services within its ambit. However, upon deliberation, Parliament consciously excluded healthcare from the definition of \u2018service\u2019 in the 2019 Bill, which became the Act. This deliberate exclusion reflects the clear legislative intent to remove medical services from consumer jurisdiction. The principle of statutory interpretation requires that such intent be respected. To hold otherwise would amount to judicial legislation, contrary to the doctrine of separation of powers.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>This line of argument is particularly persuasive because it shows Parliament\u2019s will rather than relying only on judicial precedent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"issue-wise-argument-note\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Issue-Wise_Argument_Note_Oral_Outline\"><\/span>Issue-Wise Argument Note (Oral Outline)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"issue-1-fiduciary-nature\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Issue_1_Fiduciary_Nature_Of_Doctor%E2%80%93Patient_Relationship\"><\/span>Issue 1: Fiduciary Nature Of Doctor\u2013Patient Relationship<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Relationship is based on trust, ethics, and fiduciary duty, not commerce.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Treating patients as \u201cconsumers\u201d erodes confidence in doctors.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Parity with lawyers: fiduciary professions excluded from CPA.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"issue-2-existing-regulatory-framework\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Issue_2_Existing_Regulatory_Framework\"><\/span>Issue 2: Existing Regulatory Framework<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Healthcare already governed by NMC Act, Clinical Establishments Act, IPC, and tort law.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>CPA jurisdiction creates duplication and double jeopardy.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Specialized medical councils and courts better suited to adjudicate negligence.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"issue-3-defensive-medicine\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Issue_3_Defensive_Medicine_Rising_Costs\"><\/span>Issue 3: Defensive Medicine &amp; Rising Costs<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Fear of consumer litigation leads to unnecessary tests\/procedures.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Inflates healthcare costs, burdens patients, undermines affordable care.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Violates Article 21 (Right to Health).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"issue-4-inadequacy-of-consumer-forums\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Issue_4_Inadequacy_Of_Consumer_Forums\"><\/span>Issue 4: Inadequacy Of Consumer Forums<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Forums lack medical expertise to assess complex evidence.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Risk of inconsistent rulings and erosion of professional autonomy.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Specialized redressal mechanisms are preferable.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"issue-5-legislative-intent\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Issue_5_Legislative_Intent_And_Parliamentary_Debate\"><\/span>Issue 5: Legislative Intent And Parliamentary Debate<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>CPA Bill, 2018 initially included healthcare services.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>CPA Bill, 2019 \u2014 after debate \u2014 specifically excluded healthcare from definition of \u201cservice.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>This deliberate exclusion reflects Parliament\u2019s clear intent.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Principle of statutory interpretation: courts must respect legislative intent; cannot reintroduce what Parliament expressly removed.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><em>Expressio unius est exclusio alterius<\/em> \u2014 express exclusion of healthcare bars judicial expansion.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ignoring this exclusion violates separation of powers and Article 14 (arbitrary classification).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"issue-6-reconsider-vp-shantha\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Issue_6_Need_To_Reconsider_VP_Shantha\"><\/span>Issue 6: Need To Reconsider V.P. Shantha<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Precedent is outdated; healthcare delivery has evolved.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>CPA 2019 designed for commercial goods\/services, not fiduciary professional services.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Judicial expansion must yield to legislative correction.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"prayer-oral-outline\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Prayer_Oral_Outline\"><\/span>Prayer (Oral Outline)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Declare medical services not \u201cservices\u201d under CPA.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Direct NMC\/Government to frame exclusive grievance redressal mechanisms.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Reconsider and overrule V.P. Shantha in light of changed circumstances and legislative intent.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>This outline is designed for oral advocacy \u2014 short, punchy points under each issue, easy to expand during hearing. <strong>Q. Ground or argument that the evolved medical negligence jurisprudence in India and the supreme court judgments favor exclusion of Health Care Services from CPA?<\/strong><br>Yes \u2014 the evolved jurisprudence on medical negligence in India and recent Supreme Court developments can be marshalled as a strong ground to argue for exclusion of healthcare services from the Consumer Protection Act (CPA).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"ground-evolved-medical-negligence-jurisprudence-supports-exclusion\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Ground_Evolved_Medical_Negligence_Jurisprudence_Supports_Exclusion\"><\/span>Ground: Evolved Medical Negligence Jurisprudence Supports Exclusion<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"specialized-judicial-standards\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Specialized_Judicial_Standards\"><\/span>1. Specialized Judicial Standards<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Over the last three decades, the Supreme Court has refined medical negligence jurisprudence, emphasizing that negligence must be judged by the standards of a reasonably competent medical professional, not by lay expectations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Cases like Jacob Mathew v. State of Punjab (2005) established that criminal liability requires gross negligence, protecting doctors from frivolous prosecution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"recognition-of-professional-autonomy\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Recognition_of_Professional_Autonomy\"><\/span>2. Recognition of Professional Autonomy<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The Court has consistently acknowledged that medicine is a science of uncertainty and art of probability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Judicial pronouncements caution against second-guessing medical judgment through non-expert forums.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"consumer-forums-lack-expertise\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Consumer_Forums_Lack_Expertise\"><\/span>3. Consumer Forums Lack Expertise<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Supreme Court benches have repeatedly noted that consumer fora are ill-equipped to evaluate complex medical evidence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This jurisprudential recognition strengthens the case for exclusion, as specialized mechanisms (medical councils, civil courts) are better suited.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"recent-supreme-court-developments\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Recent_Supreme_Court_Developments\"><\/span>4. Recent Supreme Court Developments<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In 2026, the Supreme Court issued notice on PILs seeking exclusion of doctors from CPA, reopening the debate on V.P. Shantha (1995). The petitions argue that applying consumer law encourages defensive medicine, raises costs, and undermines trust in the doctor\u2013patient relationship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Court\u2019s willingness to revisit the precedent itself reflects judicial recognition that medical negligence jurisprudence has matured and may no longer require CPA\u2019s consumer-centric framework.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"harmonization-with-legislative-intent\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Harmonization_with_Legislative_Intent\"><\/span>5. Harmonization with Legislative Intent<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The evolved jurisprudence aligns with Parliament\u2019s deliberate exclusion of healthcare from the CPA Bill, 2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Together, legislative intent and judicial development point toward a coherent policy of keeping healthcare outside CPA.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"to-frame-in-submissions\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"To_Frame_in_Submissions\"><\/span>To Frame in Submissions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"issue-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Issue_Heading_Evolved_Medical_Negligence_Jurisprudence_Favors_Exclusion_from_CPA\"><\/span>Issue Heading: Evolved Medical Negligence Jurisprudence Favors Exclusion from CPA<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"oral-outline-points\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Oral_Outline_Points\"><\/span>Oral Outline Points:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Supreme Court has developed nuanced standards (Jacob Mathew, Martin D\u2019Souza, etc.).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Consumer fora lack medical expertise; risk of inconsistent rulings.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Defensive medicine and rising costs undermine Article 21.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Current PILs and notices show judicial openness to exclusion.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Harmonize jurisprudence with Parliament\u2019s intent in CPA 2019.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>This ground complements legislative intent argument and strengthens the case by showing that both Parliament and the Supreme Court\u2019s jurisprudence converge toward exclusion. <strong>Q. I hope this will help all the stake holders in the matter to formulate uniform submissions Absolutely \u2014 the evolution of medical negligence jurisprudence in India provides a strong ground to argue for exclusion of healthcare services from the CPA. Here\u2019s how you can frame it:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"ground-evolved-medical-negligence-jurisprudence-supports-exclusion\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Ground_Evolved_Medical_Negligence_Jurisprudence_Supports_Exclusion-2\"><\/span>Ground: Evolved Medical Negligence Jurisprudence Supports Exclusion<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"supreme-courts-refinement-of-standards\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Supreme_Courts_Refinement_Of_Standards\"><\/span>1. Supreme Court\u2019s Refinement Of Standards<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Jacob Mathew v. State of Punjab (2005):<\/strong> Established that criminal liability for doctors requires gross negligence, recognizing the inherent uncertainty in medical practice.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Martin D\u2019Souza v. Mohd. Ishfaq (2009):<\/strong> Directed courts to seek expert medical opinion before proceeding against doctors, acknowledging that lay forums cannot judge medical standards.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Kusum Sharma v. Batra Hospital (2010):<\/strong> Laid down detailed guidelines for determining medical negligence, emphasizing reliance on professional standards rather than consumer expectations.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"recognition-of-professional-autonomy\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Recognition_Of_Professional_Autonomy\"><\/span>2. Recognition Of Professional Autonomy<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The Court repeatedly emphasized that medicine is a science of uncertainty and an art of probability.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Judicial pronouncements caution against second-guessing medical judgment through non-expert consumer forums.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"consumer-forums-lack-expertise\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Consumer_Forums_Lack_Expertise-2\"><\/span>3. Consumer Forums Lack Expertise<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The jurisprudence shows that negligence claims require expert evaluation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Consumer forums, designed for quick resolution of commercial disputes, lack the technical capacity to assess complex medical evidence.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>This mismatch supports exclusion of healthcare from CPA.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"harmonization-with-legislative-intent\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Harmonization_With_Legislative_Intent\"><\/span>4. Harmonization With Legislative Intent<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Parliament, in the CPA Bill 2019, deliberately excluded healthcare from the definition of \u201cservice.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>This legislative choice aligns with the Supreme Court\u2019s recognition that medical negligence requires specialized adjudication.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Together, jurisprudence and legislative intent form a coherent policy basis for exclusion.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"current-judicial-climate\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Current_Judicial_Climate\"><\/span>5. Current Judicial Climate<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The Supreme Court has recently entertained PILs seeking exclusion of doctors from CPA, issuing notice to NMC and the Government.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>This shows judicial openness to revisiting V.P. Shantha (1995) in light of evolved jurisprudence and legislative correction.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"suggested-framing-in-submissions\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Suggested_Framing_In_Submissions\"><\/span>Suggested Framing In Submissions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"issue-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Issue_Heading_Evolved_Medical_Negligence_Jurisprudence_Favors_Exclusion_From_CPA\"><\/span>Issue Heading: Evolved Medical Negligence Jurisprudence Favors Exclusion From CPA<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"oral-outline-points\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Oral_Outline_Points-2\"><\/span>Oral Outline Points:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>SC has refined medical negligence standards (Jacob Mathew, Martin D\u2019Souza, Kusum Sharma).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Consumer forums lack expertise; risk of inconsistent rulings.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Defensive medicine and rising costs undermine Article 21.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Jurisprudence aligns with Parliament\u2019s deliberate exclusion in CPA 2019.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Judicial climate favors reconsideration of V.P. Shantha.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>This ground strengthens the case by showing that both Parliament and the Supreme Court\u2019s jurisprudence converge toward exclusion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Written By: Dr.Shri Gopal Kabra,<\/strong> MBBS, LLB, MSc, MS(Anatomy), MS (Surgery) &#8211; Director Clinical Services<br>Bhagwan Mahaveer Cancer Hospital, Jaipur-302017 Email: kabrasg@hotmail.com, Ph no: 8003516198<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Q. A PIL Has Been Filed By Medical Association To Oust Health Care From The Purview Of Cpa. The Court Has Issued Notice To The Nmc And The Government. What Are The Grounds And Arguments That Should Be Taken? Here are the key grounds and arguments that can be advanced in support of the PIL<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":60,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_bbp_topic_count":0,"_bbp_reply_count":0,"_bbp_total_topic_count":0,"_bbp_total_reply_count":0,"_bbp_voice_count":0,"_bbp_anonymous_reply_count":0,"_bbp_topic_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_reply_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_forum_subforum_count":0,"two_page_speed":[],"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"_joinchat":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[87],"tags":[921,28],"class_list":{"0":"post-15856","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","6":"category-medico-legal","7":"tag-medico-legal","8":"tag-top-news"},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15856","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/60"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=15856"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15856\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=15856"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=15856"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=15856"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}