The Haryana Human Rights Commission has stressed the need for a clear, independent and effective appellate mechanism for people who challenge the opinions or findings of District Medical Negligence Boards. Hearing a complaint, the full bench of the Commission observed that when a person is aggrieved by the opinion or findings of a District Medical Negligence Board, “an effective remedy must be available to challenge the same before a higher or independent authority.” The full bench comprised the Commission’s Chairperson, Member (Judicial) and Member. The Commission said that a district-level system to examine complaints, by itself, cannot be treated as an effective remedy against the decision or opinion of such boards.

Referring to an earlier order, the Commission also highlighted the urgent need for a codified legal framework to regulate such situations. In its August 27 order, the…