**Core Concept**
Violence against a medical practitioner is governed by Indian Penal Code (IPC) Section 323 (voluntarily causing hurt) and Section 324 (voluntarily causing grievous hurt), which are cognizable offenses. These offenses involve physical assault and are dealt with by the police, as they threaten public order and professional safety in healthcare settings.

**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Section 323 of the IPC, which covers assault or criminal force, is a **cognizable** offense—meaning the police can initiate investigation without a warrant. It is also a **non-bailable** offense because the accused is presumed to be guilty of intentional violence, especially in a hospital setting where medical staff are seen as custodians of public health. The offense is serious due to the vulnerability of medical personnel and the potential for escalation of violence in healthcare environments.

**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
Option A: Non-cognizable and non-bailable offense – Incorrect because violence against a doctor is cognizable under IPC, not non-cognizable.
Option B: Non-cognizable and bailable offense – Incorrect because the offense is cognizable, not non-cognizable, and bailable status does not apply due to the severity of assault.
Option C: Cognizable and bailable offense – Incorrect because, despite being cognizable, such offenses are non-bailable due to the nature of assault on medical personnel.

**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
In India, any assault on a medical practitioner, especially in a hospital, is treated as a serious offense under IPC, and the police are empowered to act immediately. This is a key principle in forensic medicine—healthcare professionals are protected under law, and violence against them is not a mere civil issue but a criminal one.

✓ Correct Answer: D. Cognizable and non-bailable offense