#Jacob Mathew

The NCDRC overturned a ₹38.25 lakh negligence award, ruling that a doctor's error of judgment does not constitute negligence if treatment adhered to accepted medical standards backed by expert opinion, especially absent a post-mortem confirming the cause of death.

The court held that Section 194 BNSS permits police only to ascertain the cause of unnatural death, not to conduct a roving investigation, and directed compliance with the Jacob Mathew safeguards for medical professionals. The ruling protects doctors and hospitals from harassment through excessive police notices during inquest proceedings.