According to Indian law and standard forensic medicine texts, what is the minimum age at which a person can give VALID consent for a routine physical examination?

• A 18 years
• B 16 years
• C 21 years
• D 12 years ✓

Explanation

In Indian forensic practice, a person aged 12 years or above can give valid consent to a physical examination, though consent for procedures with serious consequences requires the age of majority (18 years). Below 12 years, consent must be obtained from the parent or guardian. The distractor of 18 years applies to consent for major surgery or risky procedures, not simple examination.

Reference: Parikh's Textbook of Medical Jurisprudence, Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, 7th ed.

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