NMC glossary · Penalties and appeals
Show-Cause Notice: What It Means Under The NMC Rules
Also searched as: Notice to explain, Speaking order
Penalties for violating the guidelines can be imposed on an RMP only after a show-cause notice and an opportunity to explain. The State Medical Council must then issue a reasoned, speaking order.
Updated 7 November 2026. Reviewed by Tamojit Lodh, Founder of Medmatis. Built around the NMC's Public Notice No. R-13014/01/2024-Ethics of 6 October 2026. Not legal advice.
Key facts, with sources
Hide the 4 key facts and their sourcesShow the 4 key facts and their sources
| Fact | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Term | Show-Cause Notice (also searched as Notice to explain, Speaking order) | Medmatis |
| In the notice | Not defined by the notice; this entry explains how the notice uses it. | NMC notice of 6 Oct 2026, cl. 10.2, cl. 10.3 |
| Applies to | Doctors (RMPs) before a State Medical Council | NMC notice of 6 Oct 2026 |
| In force | From 6 October 2026, with immediate effect. The NMC may issue clarifications and advisories (cl. 12). | NMC notice of 6 Oct 2026 |
In plain words
Clause 10.2 requires a show-cause notice and a chance to explain or clarify the alleged violation before a penalty is imposed. Clause 10.3 requires a reasoned and speaking order setting out the specific violation found, the doctor’s contentions and the reasons for accepting or rejecting them, and the reasons and basis for the penalty.
The point of both is that a doctor is told what is alleged and can respond, and that the decision shows its reasoning, which also helps an appeal.
What it does not mean
- It does not say how long the doctor has to reply or how long the process takes; the notice refers to “the applicable laws”.
- It does not apply to hospitals in the same way. Hospitals engaging in unethical advertising are dealt with under the Clinical Establishments Act or the applicable state law (cl. 10.1 Explanation).
The notice’s own words
Quoted from the NMC notice of 6 October 2026. Check the clause number against the original.
cl. 10.2The penalties shall be imposed only after issuing a show-cause notice to the defaulting RMP and providing an opportunity to explain or clarify the alleged violation, in accordance with the applicable laws.
cl. 10.3Where an RMP is found to be in violation of these Guidelines, the SMC shall issue a reasoned and speaking order setting out: i. the specific violation identified; ii. the contentions of the defaulting RMP/ and reasons for acceptance / rejection of the same; iii. the reasons and basis for imposing the penalties.
Our plain-language guide to the whole notice → Check your own text against these rules →
Frequently asked questions
Can a doctor be penalised without a hearing?
No. Penalties are to be imposed only after a show-cause notice and an opportunity to explain or clarify (cl. 10.2), followed by a reasoned and speaking order (cl. 10.3).
What must the order contain?
The specific violation identified, the doctor’s contentions with reasons for accepting or rejecting them, and the reasons and basis for imposing the penalty (cl. 10.3).
This entry explains a public notice in plain language and quotes its clause numbers. It is not legal advice. Read the original NMC notice and take advice on your own situation.
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