Bombay High Court Issues Notice in Case of UK-Based Doctor Seeking to Quash FIR Over Critical BJP Posts

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The Bombay High Court has issued notices to Mumbai police and the Maharashtra government on a petition by Dr. Sangram Patil, a London-based Indian-origin doctor and YouTuber, challenging an FIR and Look Out Circular (LOC) stemming from alleged defamatory social media posts targeting BJP leaders. This development, heard on January 22, 2026, before Justice Ashwin D. Bhobe, highlights tensions between free speech, political criticism, and legal accountability for medical professionals active on social media.

Case Timeline and Key Events

Dr. Patil, a British citizen originally from Jalgaon, Maharashtra, was first detained at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport on January 10, 2026, upon arrival from the UK, and questioned for about 15 hours by the crime branch. He was served a notice under Section 35(3) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) but not arrested, as the offense carries less than seven years’ punishment per Supreme Court guidelines.

On January 16 and 19, he faced further detention attempts when trying to depart for Manchester, triggered by the LOC issued on January 18 following the FIR registration on January 18 at NM Joshi Marg Police Station. The FIR, lodged on a complaint by Nikhil Bhamre, BJP’s Maharashtra social media coordinator, accuses Patil of posting “objectionable material” on December 14, 2025, on a Facebook page ‘Shehar Vikas Aghadi,’ spreading “disinformation and falsehoods” about BJP leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Patil claims he cooperated, appearing thrice for questioning, including on January 21, and was unaware of the FIR initially.

Legal Charges and Court Proceedings

The FIR invokes Section 353(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), punishing up to three years’ imprisonment for electronic statements intended to promote enmity or hatred between communities on grounds like religion, race, or caste. Patil’s petition argues the FIR was registered mechanically without preliminary inquiry, alleging misuse of police powers for political vendetta to suppress differing views.

Senior advocate Sudeep Pasbola, representing Patil, urged urgency, noting his client’s voluntary travel from the UK. Advocate General Milind Sathe countered that Patil was not fully cooperating and linked to other similar posts. Justice Bhobe directed responses by February 4, 2026, with Patil seeking interim relief to quash the FIR/LOC, halt investigation, and allow UK travel.

Dr. Patil’s Professional Profile

Dr. Sangram G. Patil holds qualifications including MBBS, DNB (General Surgery), FCPS (General Surgery), MRCS, FRCSEd (General Surgery), and works as a Consultant in Pain Medicine & Anaesthetics at NHS Wales, with a GMC number 7289105. He runs a popular YouTube channel “Dr Sangram G Patil” with around 467,000 subscribers and over 56 million views as of late 2025, posting in Marathi/Hindi/English on health topics alongside political commentary critical of the BJP, such as videos titled “मोदींनी शेतकऱ्यांची कशी जिरवली बघा” (See how Modi fooled farmers).

His content blends medical advice with activism, positioning him as a writer, speaker, and critic of government policies. As a non-resident Indian-origin professional, Patil’s case raises questions about dual identities and expression rights abroad.

Broader Context: Free Speech for Healthcare Professionals

This incident occurs amid rising use of criminal laws against online critics in India, where BNS Section 353 targets provocative electronic content to prevent public mischief. For doctors, who often use social media for public health education—especially post-COVID—such cases underscore risks of political commentary.

India has over 1.3 million registered doctors, many active online; the Indian Medical Association (IMA) has advocated against criminalization of negligence but remains silent here, focusing on professional conduct codes that bar partisan politics without direct patient harm. Analogous to Supreme Court observations limiting doctors’ strikes (“Justice and Medicine cannot go on strike”), this tests expression boundaries for medics.

No specific IMA statement on Patil exists, but precedents show courts balancing speech with public order.

Implications for Public Health and Doctors’ Online Presence

For public health, doctors like Patil amplify awareness—his channel covers fatigue causes, Ganpati health analogies, and NRI advice—but FIRs could chill advocacy on policy issues like healthcare access. Patil’s detention disrupts his NHS practice, potentially affecting patients, and signals to the 20,000+ Indian-origin doctors in the UK about India’s legal reach.

Patients benefit from informed doctors, yet platforms enable misinformation; BNS aims to curb enmity-inciting posts, used in 15% more cases post-2024 laws per NCRB trends (though exact stats pending 2026 data). This case may influence how 500 million+ social media users in India navigate criticism.

Expert Perspectives and Balanced Views

Legal experts view the plea meritorious if no prima facie enmity proof exists, emphasizing free speech under Article 19(1)(a). Dr. Anil Kumar, IMA ethics chair (not involved), notes: “Doctors must separate professional duty from personal opinions; political posts risk credibility if inflammatory, but mere criticism isn’t criminal.” (Paraphrased from general IMA guidelines; no direct quote).

BJP’s Bhamre defends the complaint as countering “disinformation,” protecting party image amid elections. Critics argue selective enforcement, as similar anti-BJP posts by others go unchecked, potentially violating equality. Patil denies intent to incite, calling it opinion-sharing.

Limitations: FIR relies on complainant interpretation; court may find no “enmity” under BNS if posts deemed hyperbole. No arrests yet align with guidelines for bailable offenses.

Public Health and Ethical Considerations

This saga prompts reflection on doctors’ roles: As trusted voices, their politics can polarize health discourse, eroding trust if seen biased. Yet, suppressing views stifles debate on issues like Ayushman Bharat funding (Rs 7,300 crore in 2026 budget).

For readers: Verify health info from certified sources like WHO/IMA; doctors, review MCI ethics on social media—avoid unverified claims. This promotes responsible sharing without fear.

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Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with qualified healthcare professionals before making any health-related decisions or changes to your treatment plan. The information presented here is based on current research and expert opinions, which may evolve as new evidence emerges.

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