Gujarat HC Quashes FIR Against Doctors in Suicide Case

Nine years after a resident doctor's death at Surat's New Civil Hospital, the Gujarat High Court has quashed an FIR against two senior doctors. The court ruled that the investigation did not provide sufficient evidence to establish abetment of suicide under Section 306 of the IPC. The judge emphasized that while the demands of a residency program can be tragic, they do not constitute legal instigation.

The case stemmed from the death of Dr. Dhaval Parmar in July 2017. His father had alleged harassment, excessive work hours, and pressure from seniors. However, the High Court noted the lack of independent corroboration for these claims from 12 hospital personnel. Additionally, forensic analysis of mobile phones revealed no incriminating messages between the parties.

The court clarified that while ragging is unacceptable, institutional friction or academic intimidation does not automatically amount to instigation. The deceased had been with the institution for only 43 days when he died, and the court found no deliberate criminal design by the accused doctors. The FIR and subsequent proceedings were thus quashed.