The question (6 marks)
Write a note on the doctor's duty of confidentiality: its sources, the exceptions to it, and its relation to privileged communication. Refer to decided cases. (6 marks)
MU Module II, confidentiality and privileged communication; pack ch. 02.
Plan your answer on paper before you look at the authorities — issue first, then the rule, then apply it to these facts.
It tests Unit 2 · The Doctor-Patient Relationship of Law and Medicine.
Authorities you will need
- Dr. Tokugha Yepthomi v Apollo Hospital Enterprises
- X v Y (England)
- Indian Medical Council (Professional Conduct, Etiquette and Ethics) Regulations 2002, duty of secrecy
- Mental Healthcare Act 2017, ss. 23 and 24; Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act 1971, s. 5A
- Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam 2023, ss. 132 and 134, professional privilege confined to legal advisers
- Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act 2012, ss. 19 and 21
How an answer is marked
A full-marks answer names the issue in one line, states the rule with its section, cites the authority, applies it to these facts and concludes — in that order. The app's model answer for this question is written in exactly that shape, with a checklist to mark your own attempt against.