Revisit judgments regarding medical negligence: Supreme Court

The Supreme Court recently suggested that professions like medical doctors should be excluded from the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 (CPA), calling for a review of past judgments on this matter. \r

In Bar of Indian Lawyers vs. D.K. Gandhi, the Court held that lawyers are not covered under the CPA, suggesting that medical professionals should also be excluded. The Court emphasized that neither professions should be equated with business nor their services with those of traders. \r

Medical negligence cases are traditionally covered by the Medical Council Act, which governs medical professionals. The Court's ruling implies that professions requiring advanced knowledge and specialized study, such as doctors, lawyers, chartered accountants, and engineers, should not fall under the CPA.