{"id":6723,"date":"2025-07-28T11:33:24","date_gmt":"2025-07-28T11:33:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/?p=6723"},"modified":"2025-07-28T11:44:50","modified_gmt":"2025-07-28T11:44:50","slug":"medical-liability-reform-india-bns-cpa","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/medical-liability-reform-india-bns-cpa\/","title":{"rendered":"Inadvertent Mischief caused by V P Shantha and BNS 106(1) need to be addressed"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>\u201cCourts have played a salutary and corrective role in innumerable instances. They are highly respected by our people for that. At the same time, the dividing line between judicial activism and judicial overreach is a thin one.\u201d\u00a0 &#8212; <strong>Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh<\/strong><br><br>&#8220;Judicial activism is not the same as judicial overreach. The former is a peacemaker; the latter is a trespasser.&#8221; &#8212; <strong>Former CJI Ranjan Gogoi<\/strong><br><\/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\/medical-liability-reform-india-bns-cpa\/#Q_Medical_fraternity_in_India_is_greatly_agitated_on_the_two_woes_inflicted_on_the_profession\" >Q. Medical fraternity in India is greatly agitated on the two woes inflicted on the profession.<\/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\/medical-liability-reform-india-bns-cpa\/#AI_%3E_Comparing_New_Legal_Changes_with_Previous_Regulations\" >AI: &gt; Comparing New Legal Changes with Previous Regulations<\/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\/medical-liability-reform-india-bns-cpa\/#Proposed_Reforms_to_Improve_Conditions_for_Medical_Professionals\" >Proposed Reforms to Improve Conditions for Medical Professionals<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/medical-liability-reform-india-bns-cpa\/#Q_Can_you_elaborate_on_the_no-fault_compensation_scheme_How_would_these_reforms_affect_patient_rights_and_safety_What_steps_are_needed_to_implement_these_reforms_effectively\" >Q. Can you elaborate on the no-fault compensation scheme? How would these reforms affect patient rights and safety? What steps are needed to implement these reforms effectively?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/medical-liability-reform-india-bns-cpa\/#AI_%3E_The_No-Fault_Compensation_Scheme_An_Overview\" >AI: &gt; The No-Fault Compensation Scheme: An Overview<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/medical-liability-reform-india-bns-cpa\/#Key_Features_of_a_No-Fault_Model\" >Key Features of a No-Fault Model<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/medical-liability-reform-india-bns-cpa\/#How_These_Reforms_Enhance_Patient_Rights_and_Safety\" >How These Reforms Enhance Patient Rights and Safety<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/medical-liability-reform-india-bns-cpa\/#Comparison_Fault-Based_vs_No-Fault_Compensation\" >Comparison: Fault-Based vs No-Fault Compensation<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/medical-liability-reform-india-bns-cpa\/#Steps_to_Implement_a_No-Fault_Scheme_Effectively\" >Steps to Implement a No-Fault Scheme Effectively<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/medical-liability-reform-india-bns-cpa\/#Additional_Considerations\" >Additional Considerations<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/medical-liability-reform-india-bns-cpa\/#AI_Reforming_Criminal_Liability_for_Medical_Procedures_Parliamentary_Pathways\" >AI: Reforming Criminal Liability for Medical Procedures: Parliamentary Pathways<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/medical-liability-reform-india-bns-cpa\/#Problem_Statement_Blanket_Criminalization\" >Problem Statement: Blanket Criminalization<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/medical-liability-reform-india-bns-cpa\/#Core_Legislative_Amendments\" >Core Legislative Amendments<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/medical-liability-reform-india-bns-cpa\/#Drafting_the_Amendment_Bill_Key_Provisions\" >Drafting the Amendment Bill: Key Provisions<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/medical-liability-reform-india-bns-cpa\/#Steps_to_Enact_Reform\" >Steps to Enact Reform<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/medical-liability-reform-india-bns-cpa\/#Additional_Considerations-2\" >Additional Considerations<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/medical-liability-reform-india-bns-cpa\/#Q_Can_you_explain_%E2%80%98gross_negligence_in_legal_terms_How_do_other_countries_handle_criminal_liability_in_medical_practices_What_are_potential_impacts_of_these_reforms_on_patient_care\" >Q. Can you explain &#8216;gross negligence&#8217; in legal terms? How do other countries handle criminal liability in medical practices? What are potential impacts of these reforms on patient care?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/medical-liability-reform-india-bns-cpa\/#Gross_Negligence_Legal_Definition\" >Gross Negligence: Legal Definition<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/medical-liability-reform-india-bns-cpa\/#International_Approaches_to_Criminal_Liability_in_Medical_Practice\" >International Approaches to Criminal Liability in Medical Practice<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/medical-liability-reform-india-bns-cpa\/#Potential_Impacts_of_Liability_Reforms_on_Patient_Care\" >Potential Impacts of Liability Reforms on Patient Care<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/medical-liability-reform-india-bns-cpa\/#How_does_medical_malpractice_differ_from_gross_negligence\" >How does medical malpractice differ from gross negligence?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/medical-liability-reform-india-bns-cpa\/#Understanding_Gross_Medical_Negligence\" >Understanding Gross Medical Negligence<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-23\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/medical-liability-reform-india-bns-cpa\/#Legal_Framework_under_BNS_Sec_1061\" >Legal Framework under BNS Sec 106(1)<\/a><\/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\/medical-liability-reform-india-bns-cpa\/#Why_%E2%80%9CGross%E2%80%9D_Is_about_the_Act_Not_Just_the_Outcome\" >Why \u201cGross\u201d Is about the Act, Not Just the Outcome<\/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\/medical-liability-reform-india-bns-cpa\/#Key_Criteria_for_Gross_Medical_Negligence\" >Key Criteria for Gross Medical Negligence<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-26\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/medical-liability-reform-india-bns-cpa\/#Applying_This_Definition_in_Practice\" >Applying This Definition in Practice<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-27\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/medical-liability-reform-india-bns-cpa\/#Beyond_the_Statute_Comparative_Perspectives\" >Beyond the Statute: Comparative Perspectives<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-28\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/medical-liability-reform-india-bns-cpa\/#What_aspects_of_gross_negligence_interest_you_most\" >What aspects of gross negligence interest you most?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-29\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/medical-liability-reform-india-bns-cpa\/#What_strategies_can_healthcare_professionals_use_to_prevent_gross_negligence\" >What strategies can healthcare professionals use to prevent gross negligence?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Q_Medical_fraternity_in_India_is_greatly_agitated_on_the_two_woes_inflicted_on_the_profession\"><\/span>Q. Medical fraternity in India is greatly agitated on the two woes inflicted on the profession.<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Firstly, the inadvertent mischief caused by inclusion of Health Care as service in Consumer Protection Act 1986 by the judgment in <strong>IMA vs V P Shantha, 1995<\/strong>.<br>Secondly, by criminalizing \u2018acts of registered medical professional should the procedure performed by him result into death of the patient\u2019 by inserting a clause in <strong>Bhartiya Nayay Sanhita 2023<\/strong>. This insertion surprised and dismayed the profession as the minister while moving the Bill had announced that the <strong>Sec 304A of IPC<\/strong> that criminalized the medical act of a doctor, will be suitably amended in BNS sections to \u2018decriminalize\u2019 it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"AI_%3E_Comparing_New_Legal_Changes_with_Previous_Regulations\"><\/span>AI: &gt; Comparing New Legal Changes with Previous Regulations<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Inclusion of Healthcare under the Consumer Protection Act <strong>Pre-1995:<\/strong> Medical services lay outside the Consumer Protection Act, 1986. Patients seeking redress relied on:<ul><li>Civil courts (tort claims) for compensation<\/li><li>Criminal prosecutions under the IPC in extreme cases<\/li><li>Disciplinary action by Medical Councils (no power to award damages)<\/li><\/ul><strong>Post-1995 (IMA vs VP Shantha):<\/strong> The Supreme Court held that paid medical services qualify as \u201cservice\u201d under CPA 1986. This opened consumer forums to:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Hear deficiency-in-service complaints against doctors and hospitals<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Award compensation without civil-court delays or criminal standards<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Operate via district, state, and national commissions with streamlined procedures<br>\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Criminal Liability for Death by Negligence Regulation Scope Penalty Medical Exception Section 304A IPC (1860) Death by rash or negligent act not amounting to culpable homicide Up to 2 years\u2019 imprisonment, or fine, or both No statutory carve-out; courts require proof of gross negligence before prosecuting doctors BNS Section 106 (2023) 1. Death by general negligence<br>2. Hit-and-run fatalities 1. Up to 5 years\u2019 imprisonment + fine<br>2. Up to 10 years\u2019 imprisonment + fine Registered medical practitioners capped at 2 years\u2019 imprisonment + fine when a procedure causes death Key Distinctions<ul><li><strong>Punishment Ceiling<\/strong> \u2013<ul><li>304A IPC: Max 2 years for all offenders<\/li><li>BNS 106(1): Raises general maximum to 5 years; retains 2 years for doctors<\/li><li>BNS 106(2): Creates a 10-year penalty for fleeing drivers<\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><strong>Explicit Medical Clause<\/strong> \u2013<ul><li>Under IPC, doctors faced the same standard as any negligent individual, subject to judicially developed safeguards (e.g., Jacob Mathew guidelines).<\/li><li>BNS carves out a statutory cap for \u201cregistered medical practitioners,\u201d yet still criminalizes procedural death\u2014contrary to ministerial assurances of decriminalization.<\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><br>\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Disciplinary vs. Criminal Regimes Before BNS, medical misconduct invoked:<ul><li>Medical Council Act: Suspension or de-registration for professional misconduct<\/li><li>Civil law: Compensation via tort<\/li><li>IPC (304A): Criminal negligence in rare fatal cases<\/li><\/ul>The new BNS framework retains:<ul><li>Medical Council disciplinary powers (unchanged)<\/li><li>Expanded criminal liability under Section 106 for procedural and vehicular deaths<\/li><li>Consumer redress remains via CPA 1986 (unchanged since 1995)<\/li><\/ul>By juxtaposing these layers, we see the profession has moved from largely civil and disciplinary oversight to a hybrid regime where consumer claims, professional regulation, and enhanced criminal sanctions all apply\u2014often with overlapping consequences. \u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Proposed_Reforms_to_Improve_Conditions_for_Medical_Professionals\"><\/span>Proposed Reforms to Improve Conditions for Medical Professionals<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Legislative Amendments\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Exclude routine healthcare from the definition of \u201cservice\u201d under the Consumer Protection Act, or embed a gross-negligence threshold.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Decriminalize procedural deaths by removing doctors from BNS Section 106, reserving criminal sanctions for willful or grossly negligent acts only.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Statutorily define \u201cgross negligence,\u201d drawing on the Jacob Mathew guidelines to ensure clarity and consistency.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Institutional Mechanisms\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Establish specialized Health Tribunals comprising medical and legal experts to handle negligence claims instead of general consumer forums.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mandate pre-litigation Expert Review Panels to assess medical standards and causation, issuing binding opinions before cases proceed.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Implement a no-fault compensation scheme to expedite patient relief without attributing individual blame.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Professional Safeguards\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Introduce safe-harbor provisions shielding practitioners who adhere to approved clinical protocols and guidelines.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Strengthen and subsidize professional indemnity insurance to ensure affordable, comprehensive coverage for all doctors.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Enact robust Good Samaritan protections guaranteeing no civil or criminal liability for emergency care offered in good faith.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Procedural Safeguards\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Require mandatory mediation or conciliation before consumer courts admit medical negligence cases.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Enforce time-bound resolution processes in tribunals to reduce legal uncertainty for patients and practitioners alike.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cap compensation awards through standardized tariff schedules to prevent unpredictable and disproportionate liabilities.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Capacity Building and Awareness\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Expand continuous medical education on risk management, informed consent, and medico-legal obligations.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Launch patient-awareness campaigns clarifying realistic treatment outcomes and consent rights.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Create government-funded helplines offering real-time legal and ethical advice to practitioners, reducing reliance on criminal prosecution.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>By integrating these legislative, institutional, and procedural reforms, India can achieve a balanced framework\u2014safeguarding patient rights while protecting medical professionals from undue legal peril.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Q_Can_you_elaborate_on_the_no-fault_compensation_scheme_How_would_these_reforms_affect_patient_rights_and_safety_What_steps_are_needed_to_implement_these_reforms_effectively\"><\/span>Q. Can you elaborate on the no-fault compensation scheme? How would these reforms affect patient rights and safety? What steps are needed to implement these reforms effectively?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"AI_%3E_The_No-Fault_Compensation_Scheme_An_Overview\"><\/span>AI: &gt; The No-Fault Compensation Scheme: An Overview<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Key_Features_of_a_No-Fault_Model\"><\/span>Key Features of a No-Fault Model<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Eligibility determined by causation, not by proof of negligence or fault<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Administrative\u2014rather than court\u2014based claims process, reducing legal complexity<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fixed or tariff-based compensation schedules for common injuries<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Expedited payout timelines, often within months of application<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Potential for additional support services (rehabilitation, counselling) alongside financial awards<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_These_Reforms_Enhance_Patient_Rights_and_Safety\"><\/span>How These Reforms Enhance Patient Rights and Safety<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Faster Compensation:<\/strong> Patients receive timely financial redress without protracted litigation, reducing out-of-pocket costs and stress.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Encouragement of Open Disclosure:<\/strong> Replacing blame with inquiry fosters honest reporting of adverse events, strengthening trust between patients and providers.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Improved Quality of Care:<\/strong> Data from no-fault claims feed back into patient-safety systems, enabling systemic fixes rather than finger-pointing at individuals.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Equal Access:<\/strong> All eligible patients\u2014regardless of age, socioeconomic status, or legal resources\u2014benefit from compensation, promoting equity in healthcare rights.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Comparison_Fault-Based_vs_No-Fault_Compensation\"><\/span>Comparison: Fault-Based vs No-Fault Compensation<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Aspect<\/th><th>Fault-Based System<\/th><th>No-Fault System<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Burden of Proof<\/td><td>Patient must prove provider fault<\/td><td>Patient only shows treatment\u2013injury link<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Speed of Resolution<\/td><td>Often years of litigation<\/td><td>Typically months via administrative body<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Legal Costs<\/td><td>High (attorneys, expert witnesses)<\/td><td>Low (minimal legal involvement)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Impact on Safety Reporting<\/td><td>Chilling effect on error reports<\/td><td>Encourages transparent reporting<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Coverage<\/td><td>Only negligent cases<\/td><td>Broader coverage of avoidable harm<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Steps_to_Implement_a_No-Fault_Scheme_Effectively\"><\/span>Steps to Implement a No-Fault Scheme Effectively<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Legislative Foundation:<\/strong> Draft and enact clear enabling legislation defining scope, eligibility criteria, and compensation tariffs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Establish an Administrative Authority:<\/strong> Create a dedicated agency or trust to process claims, administer funds, and liaise with healthcare providers and insurers.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Secure Sustainable Funding:<\/strong> Options include:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A small levy on healthcare services or procedures<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Surcharges on insurer premiums (as with COVAX vaccine compensation)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Allocation from general health budgets<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Define Standardized Compensation Schedules:<\/strong> Develop injury-specific tariff tables to ensure consistency and predictability of awards, reducing disputes over amounts.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Integrate with Patient-Safety and Reporting Systems:<\/strong> Link no-fault claim data to quality-improvement initiatives so that aggregated insights drive safety reforms.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Launch Stakeholder Engagement &amp; Education:<\/strong> Conduct informational campaigns for patients, providers, insurers, and legal professionals to clarify processes and benefits.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Implement Monitoring &amp; Evaluation:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Track metrics: claim volumes, payout timelines, patient satisfaction<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Conduct periodic reviews to adjust eligibility, tariffs, and processes based on real-world performance<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Ensure Review and Appeal Mechanisms:<\/strong> Provide an independent review panel or ombudsman for disputed claims, maintaining fairness and accountability.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Additional_Considerations\"><\/span>Additional Considerations<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Align professional regulation and disciplinary procedures so that compensation inquiries dovetail with\u2014but do not impede\u2014clinical governance.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Protect the confidentiality of claimants while still enabling data-sharing for safety research.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Tailor the model to local contexts, drawing lessons from New Zealand\u2019s ACC and the WHO\u2019s COVAX no-fault compensation program for vaccine injuries.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Plan for transitional phases, allowing existing tort claims to wind down while ramping up the no-fault system.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Conclusion:<\/strong> By implementing these steps, policymakers can create a patient-centric, transparent compensation regime that not only upholds rights but actively promotes safer, higher-quality care.<br><br>Q. This takes care of the inadvertent mischief caused by the <strong>V P Shantha<\/strong> judgment. No fault compensation will be available to the patients even after health care is declared out of CPA. However, the mischief caused by blanket inclusion of \u2018medical procedure by a registered medical practitioner\u2019 to criminalizing medical profession, has to be addressed. This can be done by Parliament only.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"AI_Reforming_Criminal_Liability_for_Medical_Procedures_Parliamentary_Pathways\"><\/span>AI: Reforming Criminal Liability for Medical Procedures: Parliamentary Pathways<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Problem_Statement_Blanket_Criminalization\"><\/span>Problem Statement: Blanket Criminalization<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Patients and doctors face uncertainty because <em>\u201cmedical procedure by a registered medical practitioner\u201d<\/em> is swept into general criminal provisions without nuance.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>This blanket inclusion exposes routine clinical decisions\u2014even when taken in good faith, with consent and adherence to standards\u2014to criminal prosecution.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A targeted legislative fix from Parliament is the only way to clarify boundaries, safeguard professional discretion, and protect patient rights.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Core_Legislative_Amendments\"><\/span>Core Legislative Amendments<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Amend the relevant clause in the <strong>Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (or IPC)<\/strong>, carving out a <em>\u201cclinical acts in good faith\u201d<\/em> exception.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Introduce <strong>\u201cgross negligence\u201d<\/strong> as the threshold for criminal liability, replacing the current \u201cany negligence\u201d standard.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Require prior sanction or a prima facie review by a medical board before any criminal proceeding can be launched.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Explicitly recognise informed consent and adherence to established clinical protocols as a defense to criminal charges.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Drafting_the_Amendment_Bill_Key_Provisions\"><\/span>Drafting the Amendment Bill: Key Provisions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Current Text Issue<\/th><th>Proposed Amendment<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>All medical acts by registered practitioners can attract criminal liability.<\/td><td>Exclude clinical acts done in good faith, with consent, from criminal provisions.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Negligence standard undefined\u2014any error risks prosecution.<\/td><td>Define \u201ccriminal negligence\u201d as conduct showing gross disregard for patient safety.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>No pre-prosecution medical review.<\/td><td>Mandate a medical-expert committee review before filing.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Absence of explicit consent defense.<\/td><td>Insert a clause validating documented informed consent.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Steps_to_Enact_Reform\"><\/span>Steps to Enact Reform<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Drafting and Stakeholder Consultation:<\/strong><br>Ministry of Health leads bill-drafting with inputs from medical councils, patient groups, legal experts.<br>Circulate a white paper outlining proposed exceptions and thresholds.<br>\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Parliamentary Committee Review:<\/strong><br>Refer the draft to a Joint Committee on Law and Health for detailed clause-by-clause scrutiny.<br>Invite testimony from clinicians, jurists, and patient-rights advocates.<br>\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Debate and Passage in Parliament:<\/strong><br>Introduce the bill in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, ensuring explanatory statements highlight patient-safety and doctor-protection.<br>Amend based on committee feedback; secure majority support.<br>\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Presidential Assent and Notification:<\/strong><br>Obtain Presidential assent; publish in the Gazette of India.<br>Set an effective date, allowing a transition period for medical boards to form review committees.<br>\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Rule-Making and Capacity Building:<\/strong><br>Frame rules detailing the composition and powers of the pre-prosecution medical review board.<br>Train law-enforcement officers and prosecutors on the new threshold and procedures.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Additional_Considerations-2\"><\/span>Additional Considerations<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Align criminal-law reforms with professional disciplinary mechanisms under the National Medical Commission.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Monitor impact via periodic parliamentary reviews: track number of prosecutions, case outcomes, and stakeholder feedback.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Draw lessons from the UK\u2019s gross-negligence manslaughter threshold and New Zealand\u2019s ACC \u201cgood-faith\u201d carve-outs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Communicate changes widely\u2014through medical associations, patient-rights NGOs, and law-enforcement training\u2014to ensure clarity and compliance.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>This parliamentary roadmap will recalibrate the balance between accountability and professional autonomy<\/strong>, ensuring that only truly culpable conduct faces criminal sanction while preserving trust in the medical profession.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Q_Can_you_explain_%E2%80%98gross_negligence_in_legal_terms_How_do_other_countries_handle_criminal_liability_in_medical_practices_What_are_potential_impacts_of_these_reforms_on_patient_care\"><\/span>Q. Can you explain &#8216;gross negligence&#8217; in legal terms? How do other countries handle criminal liability in medical practices? What are potential impacts of these reforms on patient care?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Gross_Negligence_Legal_Definition\"><\/span>Gross Negligence: Legal Definition<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Gross negligence occupies a higher threshold than ordinary negligence, reflecting an extreme departure from the standard of care expected of a reasonable person.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Defined as the \u201clack of slight diligence or care\u201d or a \u201cconscious, voluntary act or omission in reckless disregard of a legal duty and of the consequences to another party\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It goes beyond mere carelessness, involving a willful or wanton disregard for the safety or rights of others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In medical contexts, gross negligence might include operating on the wrong patient, amputating the wrong limb, or ignoring critical allergy alerts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"International_Approaches_to_Criminal_Liability_in_Medical_Practice\"><\/span>International Approaches to Criminal Liability in Medical Practice<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Different jurisdictions balance patient protection with safeguarding medical professionals by varying both procedural routes and liability thresholds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Country\/Region<\/th><th>Primary Route<\/th><th>Criminal Liability<\/th><th>Key Features<\/th><th>Citation<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Europe (e.g., France, Germany)<\/td><td>Civil\/judicial<\/td><td>Rare<\/td><td>Handled by judges; payouts more likely but smaller, as negligence alone need not trigger criminal fault<\/td><td>22<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Russia<\/td><td>Criminal courts<\/td><td>Frequent<\/td><td>In 2017, 1,800 criminal cases filed; prosecutions led by state investigators rather than medical panels<\/td><td>22<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Italy<\/td><td>Criminal predominant<\/td><td>High<\/td><td>Most malpractice suits filed criminally; evidence gathering by state; high defensive medicine due to liability concerns<\/td><td>27<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>United Kingdom<\/td><td>Civil tort &amp; gross-negligence manslaughter<\/td><td>Exceptional (\u201cgross negligence manslaughter\u201d)<\/td><td>Requires proof of duty, breach, causation of death, and an obvious risk of death to a reasonable person in the defendant\u2019s position<\/td><td>9<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>United States<\/td><td>Predominantly civil<\/td><td>Limited; rare criminal prosecution<\/td><td>Criminal charges arise only in cases of extreme recklessness or intentional harm; most disputes resolved via malpractice insurers<\/td><td><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Potential_Impacts_of_Liability_Reforms_on_Patient_Care\"><\/span>Potential Impacts of Liability Reforms on Patient Care<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Reduction in defensive medicine:<\/strong> Clearer \u201cgross negligence\u201d standards and immunity for good-faith emergency acts help doctors focus on optimal care rather than fearing prosecution.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Preservation of emergency services:<\/strong> Protections for life-saving interventions encourage timely decisions, reducing hesitation in critical situations.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Strengthened patient-safety culture:<\/strong> Distinguishing systemic errors from culpable conduct channels adverse-event data into quality-improvement initiatives rather than individual blame.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Equitable access to compensation:<\/strong> A high negligence threshold may delay or limit recourse for patients harmed by substandard\u2014but not grossly negligent\u2014care.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Enhanced trust and transparency:<\/strong> Clear legal benchmarks foster open disclosure of medical errors, building stronger patient\u2013provider relationships.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Risk of unintended barriers:<\/strong> If the gross-negligence standard is set too narrowly, some patients might perceive hurdles in claiming redress for genuine harms.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>By articulating \u201cgross negligence\u201d distinctly, aligning international practices, and calibrating liability thresholds, reforms can reduce fear-driven practice, improve emergency care, and bolster patient-safety systems\u2014while ensuring that truly egregious conduct remains sanctionable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_does_medical_malpractice_differ_from_gross_negligence\"><\/span>How does medical malpractice differ from gross negligence?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Can you elaborate on a specific country&#8217;s approach to medical liability? Can you provide examples of gross negligence cases in medicine?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>The difficulty is in defining gross in terms of intent or application and not quantum of damage. Gross negligence (act) as per your definition may not result in any harm while a non-gross act may result in death.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As per the provisions of BNS, grossness is either causing grievous hurt or death. BNS Sec 106(1) is for causing death which may be by a simple procedure like just inserting a needle in the chest or attempt to remove wax from ear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Medical act is a procedure performed by a licensed medical practitioner with the consent of the patient. By itself it cannot be gross, it may be risky.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To my mind, gross medical negligence is when the act is either done by an incompetent person not licensed to treat, or the procedure is not recognized and approved, and is palpably not medical.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Understanding_Gross_Medical_Negligence\"><\/span>Understanding Gross Medical Negligence<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Legal_Framework_under_BNS_Sec_1061\"><\/span>Legal Framework under BNS Sec 106(1)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>BNS Sec 106(1) treats \u201cgrossness\u201d as conduct causing grievous hurt or death.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mere harm isn\u2019t enough; the statute targets acts so egregious they result in serious injury or fatality.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_%E2%80%9CGross%E2%80%9D_Is_about_the_Act_Not_Just_the_Outcome\"><\/span>Why \u201cGross\u201d Is about the Act, Not Just the Outcome<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A licensed doctor\u2019s procedure\u2014even if risky\u2014follows an accepted standard and informed consent.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If no grievous harm occurs, the act may be negligent but not \u201cgross\u201d under the intent-based lens.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Conversely, a minor mishap by a quack can be \u201cgross\u201d if the practitioner had no right to perform it.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Key_Criteria_for_Gross_Medical_Negligence\"><\/span>Key Criteria for Gross Medical Negligence<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Practitioner Competence:<\/strong> Performed by someone lacking the required license or credentials. No reasonable expectation that they could foresee or prevent the risk.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Recognition and Approval:<\/strong> Procedure falls outside sanctioned medical practice (no textbooks, no peer-review). Lacks institutional or regulatory backing (medical boards, hospital protocols).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Palpable Departure from Standard of Care:<\/strong> So far removed from accepted norms that any competent peer would instantly deem it unacceptable. Not a mere error in technique but a fundamental breach (e.g., injecting household bleach).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Applying_This_Definition_in_Practice\"><\/span>Applying This Definition in Practice<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Evidence-Gathering:<\/strong> Verify practitioner\u2019s licensing, training records, hospital affiliations. Collect expert opinions on whether the intervention has any basis in medical literature.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Causation vs. Grossness:<\/strong> You must link the act to the injury (causation) and show the act was so extreme it violated fundamental professional duties (grossness).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Beyond_the_Statute_Comparative_Perspectives\"><\/span>Beyond the Statute: Comparative Perspectives<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>In several common-law jurisdictions, gross negligence is judged against a \u201crecklessness\u201d standard\u2014did the actor consciously disregard a substantial risk?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>India\u2019s approach aligns: intent need not be malicious, but indifference or extreme departure suffices.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_aspects_of_gross_negligence_interest_you_most\"><\/span>What aspects of gross negligence interest you most?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Its proof in court, comparative rules in other countries, or strategies to prevent such acts in healthcare settings?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_strategies_can_healthcare_professionals_use_to_prevent_gross_negligence\"><\/span>What strategies can healthcare professionals use to prevent gross negligence?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Written By: Dr Shri Gopal Kabra<\/strong><br>MBBS, LLB, MSc, MS(Anatomy), MS(Surgery)<br>Email. kabrasg@hotmail.com&nbsp; Mobile: 8003516198<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>\u201cCourts have played a salutary and corrective role in innumerable instances. They are highly respected by our people for that. At the same time, the dividing line between judicial activism and judicial overreach is a thin one.\u201d\u00a0 &#8212; Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh &#8220;Judicial activism is not the same as judicial overreach. The former is<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":60,"featured_media":4988,"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":[28],"class_list":{"0":"post-6723","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-medico-legal","8":"tag-top-news"},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Dr.-S.G.Kabra_-1.jpg","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6723","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=6723"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6723\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4988"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6723"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6723"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6723"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}