International Journal of Medical Toxicology & Legal Medicine
  • Year: 2016
  • Volume: 19
  • Issue: 1and2

A study of dying declaration of burn patients at an Indian tertiary hospital and discussion of medico legal issues

  • Author:
  • Lohith Kumar1, Sarvesh Tandon2, Kulbhushan Prasad3, C Behera3, Anil Kumar Mittal4
  • Total Page Count: 4
  • Page Number: 42 to 45

1Assistant Professor, Department of Forensic Medicine, Kodagu Institute of Medical Sciences, Madikeri, Karnataka-572102, India

2Associate Professor, Department of Forensic Medicine, VMMC & Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi-110029, India

3Assistant Professor, Department of Forensic Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi-110029, India

4Director Professor & Head, Department of Forensic Medicine, VMMC & Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi-110029, India

Abstract

Recording of dying declaration is an important medico-legal work which reveals the cause or the circumstances of the transaction resulting in the death of the person. It may add weight to the prosecution of the case; however, its qualitative worth is what matters. It has to be such nature as to inspire full confidence of the court in its truthfulness and correctness. The present study has been carried out with an aim to examine the pattern of recording dying declaration of burn victims autopsied at VMMC & Safdarjung hospital, New Delhi, India. 100 inquest papers having dying declaration were considered for study. We have also discussed the legal issues associated with incomplete/improper dying declaration.

Keywords

Dying declaration, Courts, Magistrate, Police officer, Doctor, Compos mentis, Burn