Medical Negligence & Consumer Protection — Practice
A registered medical practitioner discovers, while treating a 16-year-old girl, clear evidence that she has been a victim of a cognisable sexual offence under the POCSO Act, 2012. He decides not to inform the police. Under the law, his failure to report attracts:
APunishment under Section 21 of the POCSO Act for non-reporting
BNo liability, as doctor-patient confidentiality overrides reporting
CLiability only if the victim's guardian files a complaint
DLiability under professional misconduct rules but no criminal offence