Question

A 40-year-old RTA case is brought to the casualty and declared brought dead by the doctor. The doctor informs the police official and sends the body to the mortuary. Autopsy in this case will be conducted on the request of:

• A. PP (Public Prosecutor)
• B. Defence lawyer
• C. Dr.
• D. Investigating officer

Hint:

An autopsy following an accident or unexplained death is generally ordered by the investigating officer or police to determine the cause of death.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

In medico-legal cases, such as the unfortunate death of an individual involved in a road traffic accident (RTA), specific legal procedures must be followed. When an individual is declared dead, as in this scenario, it becomes necessary to establish the cause and circumstances of death. An autopsy, also known as a post-mortem examination, plays a crucial role in this investigative process.

In such cases, the authority to request an autopsy does not typically lie with non-governmental or non-investigative personnel. Let's analyze the entities involved:

• Public Prosecutor (PP): The PP’s role begins once the investigation is complete and the matter moves to court. They do not typically request autopsies.
• Defence Lawyer: The defence lawyer's role is to defend their client in court and is not involved in requesting autopsies, which are part of the investigative process.
• Doctor: While a doctor can determine the need for an autopsy from a medical standpoint, they don’t have the authority to request one in legal terms without police involvement.
• Investigating Officer: The investigating officer is responsible for gathering all necessary evidence, including requesting an autopsy, to determine the cause of death and establish the circumstances surrounding it. They coordinate with forensic experts during the inquiry.

Thus, the correct entity to request an autopsy in this context is the Investigating Officer.