Image Source: MoneyControl
In a landmark ruling that could reshape medical documentation practices across India, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has declared that legible medical prescriptions and diagnoses are a fundamental right of patients, intrinsically linked to the constitutional right to health under Article 21. The decision, delivered by Justice Jasgurpreet Singh Puri on August 27, 2025, stems from a suo motu observation during a bail hearing, where the court found a medico-legal report to be completely illegible.
The judgment emphasizes that patients must be able to understand their medical prescriptions, diagnoses, and treatment plans, and that illegible handwriting in medical records poses serious risks to health, safety, and informed consent.
Key Highlights From The Court’s Order
- The right to legible medical prescriptions and diagnoses is now recognized as part of the Right to Life under Article 21
- Doctors in Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh must write prescriptions in capital letters until digital or typed formats are adopted
- The National Medical Commission has been urged to include handwriting clarity in medical education curricula
- A comprehensive policy for digital prescriptions must be framed within two years, with financial support for clinical establishments
- PGIMER Chandigarh is rolling out a Doctor Desk module for typed e-prescriptions accessible via mobile apps
Origin Of The Case And Judicial Observations
The issue first surfaced during an anticipatory bail plea in a criminal case involving allegations of forgery and sexual exploitation. While reviewing the medico-legal report submitted by the state, the court noted that not a single word was legible. This prompted Justice Puri to initiate a broader inquiry into the state of medical documentation.
The court observed that in an era of technological advancement, handwritten notes that are unreadable not only undermine patient autonomy but also create inefficiencies and legal ambiguities. It cited similar concerns in another case where clinical notes were found to be entirely illegible.
Directions To States And Medical Institutions
1. Doctors in Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh must issue prescriptions in capital letters until computerized systems are fully adopted
2. The National Medical Commission must incorporate handwriting clarity into the curriculum of medical colleges
3. The central government has been directed to expedite notification of minimum national standards under the Clinical Establishments Act
4. PGIMER Chandigarh must implement its digital prescription module within two years
5. States must hold periodic district-level meetings to sensitize doctors and monitor compliance
Implications For Patients And Healthcare Systems
The ruling reinforces the idea that patients have a right to know and understand their medical status. This includes access to legible prescriptions, diagnostic notes, and treatment records. The court stressed that ambiguity caused by poor handwriting can endanger lives, delay treatment, and obstruct legal recourse.
The judgment also aligns with global trends toward digital health records and AI-assisted diagnostics. By mandating legibility and encouraging digitalization, the court aims to bridge gaps in communication and improve healthcare delivery.
Professional Respect And Systemic Reform
Justice Puri acknowledged the dedication of doctors and their role in national service but emphasized that safeguarding patients’ rights is equally important. The court clarified that its directions are not intended to undermine medical expertise but to ensure transparency and accountability in treatment.
The ruling has been welcomed by legal experts and patient advocacy groups, who see it as a step toward more inclusive and informed healthcare. However, it also places the onus on governments and institutions to provide the infrastructure and training needed for compliance.
Conclusion: A Judicial Push Toward Patient-Centric Healthcare
The Punjab and Haryana High Court’s declaration that legible medical prescriptions are a fundamental right marks a pivotal moment in India’s healthcare jurisprudence. By linking clarity in medical documentation to constitutional protections, the court has set a precedent that could influence policy, education, and practice nationwide. As digital health systems evolve, this ruling ensures that the human right to understand one’s own treatment remains at the core of medical care.
Sources: Moneycontrol, Indian Express, Bar and Bench, Times of India
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