As noted by the authors, DNR is not yet recognised by law in India. There is, thus, no legal validity to such a directive. Under the circumstances the physician must tread carefully between legal imperatives and the principles of humane behaviour. Where there is reasonable ground to make a poor prognosis regarding recovery and survival, the physician is justified in obeying instructions issued by the patient or legally recognised next-of-kin to refrain from resuscitative measures and artificial means of propping up blood pressure or making the patient breathe. These instructions must be recorded on the patient's case paper and witnessed by a representative each of the family and of the hospital.