India, Sept. 8 -- Senior management of charitable hospitals in Mumbai, including some of the city's top medical institutions, could face a year-long jail sentence if these institutions continue to violate the 20% quota of beds that must be reserved for patients from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

There are 556 charitable hospitals in Maharashtra, among them some of Mumbai's top hospitals, such as Lilavati, Breach Candy, Jaslok and HN Reliance Foundation Hospital. All charitable hospitals in the state will be covered under the amended law.

The Maharashtra Public Trust Act has been amended to enhance the penalties for failure to comply with the mandated quota of beds. For the amended act to take effect, the state law and judiciar...