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Seeking Medical Help

Last updated on Oct 3, 2024

Survivors have the right to get immediate and free first-aid or medical treatment from medical institutions (both public and private). The institution must also inform the police of the criminal incident. 1 If the institution refuses to provide treatment and inform the police, the person in charge of the institution is punishable with imprisonment for up to one year and/or a fine. 2

Within 24 hours of receiving information about the criminal incident, the police send the survivor to an authorized doctor for a medical examination. The medical examination can happen only with the consent of the survivor or someone who can consent on her behalf. 3 After obtaining consent, the doctor immediately examines the survivor and prepares a detailed report with conclusions about the survivor’s injuries, mental condition, etc. 4 The report also records that consent was obtained, and notes the exact time at which the medical examination was started and completed. 5 The registered medical practitioner shall, within a period of seven days forward the report to the investigating officer who shall forward it to the Magistrate. 6

  1. Section 190(3), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023[↩]
  2. Section 200, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023[↩]
  3. Section 184(4), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023[↩]
  4. Section 184(2), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023[↩]
  5. Section 184(5), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023[↩]
  6. Section 184(6), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023[↩]

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