Former NCDRC Member

When medical care goes wrong, you need someone who has seen it from the bench.

Dr. S.M. Kantikar decided over 1,000 medical negligence cases at India's National Consumer Commission. Now he advises those who need justice.

10+
Years at NCDRC
1,000+
Cases Decided
35+
Years of Practice
PhD
Law, NLSIU
[Professional Portrait]

A pathologist who became a lawyer, then judged 1,000+ medical cases from the bench.

Dr. S.M. Kantikar holds an MBBS and MD in Pathology from Solapur, an LLB from Shimoga, and a PhD in Law from the National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bangalore. He practiced as a Consultant Pathologist for 14 years before turning to law full-time.

He is one of the few people in India who has both practiced medicine and decided medical negligence cases at the highest consumer forum. That dual perspective is what makes his advice different.

As a Member of the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) from 2013 to 2018, Dr. Kantikar presided over more than 1,000 medical malpractice cases. He has since been honoured with the Karnataka Rajyotsava Award 2021 for his contributions to the medico-legal field.

  • Medical negligence claims across all specialties, including dentistry
  • Consumer Protection Act 2019 advisory
  • Hospital and healthcare institution liability
  • ART, surrogacy, and fetal medicine ethics
  • Healthcare regulatory compliance and record-keeping

Who Dr. Kantikar Helps

Advisory services shaped by 1,000+ bench decisions in medical negligence law.

For Patients and Families

If you or a loved one suffered due to medical negligence, Dr. Kantikar can evaluate your case, advise on the right consumer forum, and guide you through the process. He has decided exactly these cases from the other side of the bench.

For Doctors and Hospitals

Medical professionals facing negligence complaints benefit from Dr. Kantikar's understanding of what the bench looks for. Defence strategy shaped by 1,000+ bench decisions.

For Law Firms

Senior consultation on complex medical negligence matters. Expert opinion, case evaluation, and litigation support for legal teams handling medico-legal cases.

Representative Matters

Anonymized case summaries from Dr. Kantikar's tenure at the NCDRC, illustrating the types of matters he has presided over.

Reproductive Medicine 2023

Sperm Sample Mix-Up During IVF Procedure

Hospital held liable for sample confusion during intrauterine insemination. Landmark compensation of Rs 1.5 crore. Bench recommended mandatory DNA profiling of ART babies and fixed accreditation timelines for ART clinics.

Duty of Care 2021

Vicarious Liability of Hospital for Doctor's Deficiency

Hospital and employed doctor ordered to jointly pay Rs 40 lakh. Established that hospitals bear responsibility for the standard of care provided by their medical staff.

Legal Principle 2020

"No Cure Is Not Negligence"

Doctor not liable where complainant did not recover despite reasonable treatment. Widely cited principle that adverse outcomes without proven breach of duty do not constitute actionable negligence.

Knowledge Hub

Guides and explainers on medical negligence law, consumer forums, and patient rights.

What Is Medical Negligence?

A plain-language guide to what constitutes medical negligence under Indian law, and when a patient has grounds for a complaint.

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Consumer Protection Act 2019

What changed for medical cases after the new Act. Revised jurisdiction thresholds, new offences, and how they affect patients and doctors.

Read more →

Which Forum Should You File In?

DCDRC, SCDRC, or NCDRC? A practical guide to India's three-tier consumer court system and how to determine the right forum for your case.

Read more →

Your Rights as a Patient

A quick reference on informed consent, medical records, right to emergency treatment, and what to do when things go wrong.

Read more →

What Clients Say

From patients seeking justice to lawyers seeking expert guidance.

Dr. Kantikar's guidance was invaluable. He understood the medical complexities that our previous lawyer could not. His perspective from the bench gave us clarity on what to expect.

Patient's Family, New Delhi

His courtroom perspective as a former NCDRC Member gave us strategy no other consultant could offer. He knows exactly what the bench looks for in a negligence claim.

Senior Advocate, Mumbai

The depth of his medical knowledge combined with legal expertise is rare. A true medico-legal authority who bridges both worlds with precision.

Healthcare Administrator, Bangalore

Request a Consultation

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Office
New Delhi, India
Hours
Monday to Friday, 10am to 6pm IST
Consultation
By appointment only

This website is subject to the Bar Council of India's rules on advertising. The information provided herein is for general awareness only and does not constitute legal advice. Dr. S.M. Kantikar is enrolled with the Bar Council of India. Past case outcomes do not guarantee future results.