Indian Medical Association vs V.P. Shantha & Ors on 13 November, 1995
15. It has been argued by the counsel for this appellant as well as counsel for Op No. 4 Mr. Atul Nehra that the treatment given to the complainant was free of cost and just a token money was taken from the complainant and when the treatment is given free of cost then the patient or his LRs in the case of death does not come within the definition of the 'consumer'. The reliance has been placed upon the well known judgment of the Hon'ble Supreme Court "Indian Medical Association versus V.P. Shantha & Ors." 1995 STPL (CL) 74 SC and in para No. 39 of the judgment, it has been proceeded that under Section 2(1)(o) service has been observed as under:-