In clinical medicine, not every responsibility ends with diagnosis and treatment. Certain conditions and disclosures require mandatory reporting ; failure to do so can result in legal liability, professional misconduct charges, or even criminal penalties . Indian law clearly defines a doctor’s duty to report under acts like POCSO , the Revised National TB Control Programme (RNTCP), and the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) guidelines for outbreaks like COVID-19.
Under the POCSO Act (2012) , any suspicion or disclosure of sexual abuse of a child (below 18 years) must be reported to the local police or Special Juvenile Police Unit . Non-reporting by a doctor is a punishable offence under Section 21 of the Act, carrying imprisonment or fines. Even if the minor or their guardian does not wish to proceed, the doctor is legally obligated to report, prioritizing the child’s…
