JAGAT SINGH Vs. DELHI ADMINISTRATION

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This is a Public Interest Litigation complaining about the manner in which post-mortem examinations are conducted in Delhi. One of the grievances raised by the counsel for the petitioner is that the post-mortem examinations are conducted by Junior Medical Assistants or graduates without experience.

(2.) It is desirable that post-mortem examinations should be eon-ducted by the Medical Officers attached to the Department of Forensic Sciences in the Ail India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, or persons holdings equivalent positions in respect of conducting post-mortem within local limits of Delhi. This would be in consonance with the notification of the Government of India dated 16/05/1969. This procedure should be followed wherever possible, it is also indicated in the communication dated 6/01/1988 by the Principal of Lady Harding Medical Collage and Smt. Sucheta Kriplani Hospital New Delhi that resident doctor along with senior member of the rank of Professor/assistant Professor or Assistant Professor working in the Department of Forensic Science and having requisite qualifications should con-duct the post-mortem examinations. This should be done. If more than one person conduct the post-mortem examinations, it is desirable that all such persons should sign the post-mortem report. the Medical Officer should always sign the post-mortem reports.

(3.) Dead bodies from other States should not be brought to Delhi for post-mortem examinations, except in accordance with or pursuant to the orders either of the Sub-Divisional Magistrate or Magistrate or in accordance with law.