The alarming rise in assaults against healthcare professionals in India, especially exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the existence of state-specific Medical Protection Acts and the possibility of invoking IPC Sections 353 (assault on a public servant) and 332 (voluntarily causing hurt to deter a public servant), the article underscores a critical gap: the lack of robust implementation and institutional support. While assaulting a doctor can attract a monetary penalty (Rs. 1–10 lakh), the inconsistency in enforcement undermines the law’s deterrent value.
A significant barrier to legal action is that junior doctors—often the first targets of aggression—are reluctant to file First Information Reports (FIRs). These doctors, typically in training or tenure-based roles, fear prolonged legal proceedings that could interfere with their careers. Even when CCTV footage exists,…
