Medical negligence remains a complex intersection of clinical judgment, patient outcomes, and legal scrutiny. In India, several landmark court cases have shaped the interpretation of negligence not only in terms of patient care but also around clinical documentation, timely diagnosis, and appropriate referral practices . Understanding these decisions can help physicians proactively strengthen both clinical protocols and legal preparedness. One pivotal case is Dr. Laxman Balkrishna Joshi vs. Dr.
Trimbak B Godbole (1969) ruling by the Supreme Court, which laid down the “standard of care” principle. It stated that a doctor must bring to their practice a reasonable degree of skill and knowledge and exercise it with due care. This became the foundation for all future medical negligence assessments in India. In the V. Kishan Rao vs. Nikhil Super Specialty Hospital (2010) case, the Supreme…
