SC REAFFIRMS DOCS' ACCOUNTABILITY UNDER CONSUMER PROTECTION ACT

The Supreme Court on Thursday dismissed a request to revisit its landmark 1995 judgment, which had classified medical services under the Consumer Protection Act (CPA) and held that healthcare providers, including doctors and hospitals, could be held accountable under the Act for service deficiencies.

- Utkarsh Anand

A three-judge bench comprising justices Bhushan R Gavai, Prashant Kumar Mishra and KV Viswanathan addressed a reference by a two-judge bench that sought reconsideration of the Shantha ruling while discussing the distinct status of legal professionals, who are excluded from the CPA's purview. However, the bench on Th