Court affirms medical negligence findings against Kamineni Hospitals and its doctor
New Delhi– The Supreme Court on Tuesday upheld the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission’s (NCDRC) ruling, holding Kamineni Hospitals in Andhra Pradesh and one of its doctors liable for medical negligence that led to the death of a 27-year-old B Tech graduate. However, the apex court reduced the compensation amount awarded to the deceased’s family from ₹15 lakh to ₹10 lakh.
Findings of Medical Negligence Stand
A bench comprising Justices B R Gavai and Augustine George Masih dismissed the appeal filed by the hospital management challenging the orders of the NCDRC and the Andhra Pradesh State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission. Both commissions had found the hospital vicariously liable for deficiency in service, based on a complaint filed by Peddi Narayana Swami, the father of the deceased.
“There is ample evidence on record to indicate negligence, and the findings of the consumer forums cannot be invalidated,” the bench observed.
Compensation Modified, Doctor Had Paid His Share
While affirming the hospital’s liability, the Supreme Court reduced the compensation amount by ₹5 lakh. The original order had imposed ₹15 lakh liability on the hospital and ₹5 lakh on Dr. J V S Vidyasagar, who was also held personally responsible. The doctor had already accepted the judgment and deposited his share.
Court Recognizes Future Earning Potential
Referring to the victim’s modest earnings at the time of death, the court noted that the young man, a B Tech graduate working at a soap factory, was financially supporting his family and had the potential to earn more in the future. “Early career stages often involve humble beginnings. The NCDRC’s compensation assessment was not without basis,” the court stated.
Timeline of Events
- March 8, 2011: Andhra Pradesh State Consumer Commission held the hospital and doctor liable.
- August 26, 2022: NCDRC reaffirmed the state commission’s order, directing a total compensation of ₹20 lakh.
- April 22, 2025: Supreme Court upheld the findings but modified the compensation amount to ₹10 lakh for the hospital.
This ruling reinforces the accountability of healthcare institutions in cases of medical negligence, particularly when consumer forums have found substantive evidence of service deficiency.
