By K C Vijayan

CORONER probes will solely focus on fact-finding instead of fault-finding under new guidelines proposed by the Law Ministry.

Currently, such inquiries not only look into the facts and circumstances behind a death, but also seek to pursue if any person is criminally responsible for the death.

The discretion to investigate criminal liability where there is any wrong-doing will lie with the Public Prosecutor in the proposed Coroners Act 2009.

It will facilitate more effective investigation into deaths where medical treatment or care is the suspected cause.

The draft Bill will define the Coroner's jurisdiction and extend it in certain specific cases.