Delhi High Court Upholds Doctors in Medical Negligence Case

The Delhi High Court dismissed a plea against doctors over alleged medical negligence in a woman's death, stating dissatisfaction with care does not establish malpractice. It emphasized doctors must not be bound by family expectations and highlighted the necessity of reasonable competence and professional judgment in medical practices.

The Delhi High Court recently dismissed a plea seeking action against several doctors over allegations of medical negligence in the death of a woman. The court stated that medical negligence cannot be proven merely by dissatisfaction or unmet expectations from the patient's family.

Justice Sanjeev Narula, in his verdict, emphasized that doctors should be free from the constraints imposed by family expectations or timelines. The proper measure for medical negligence, according to the court, is whether a doctor's actions fall below the standards of a competent practitioner within the relevant field.

Despite expressing sympathy for the petitioner's loss, the court noted that both the Delhi Medical Council and the NMC had reviewed the complaint and found minor shortcomings in two other doctors, ordering them to undergo further training. They did not take action against those named in the plea, and the court found no substantial reason to intervene in these expert assessments under Article 226 of the Constitution.

(With inputs from agencies.)