UK-based doctor Sangram Patil challenges FIR, alleges political motivation

Mumbai: A UK-based doctor, Sangram Patil, on Monday informed the Bombay High Court that the FIR registered against him for allegedly making objectionable remarks against BJP leaders was an attempt to criminalise political speech and dissent, while assuring the court of his cooperation with the police in the ongoing probe.

Patil, facing charges of promoting enmity between various groups, has filed a petition in the HC challenging the FIR in Mumbai and also the Lookout Circular (LOC) issued against him due to which he was unable to travel to the UK, news agency PTI reported.

A lookout circular prevents a person under investigation from leaving the country.

Medical Dialogues had earlier reported that an Indian-origin British doctor, currently serving as a consultant with the National Health Service (NHS), has been stranded in Mumbai for nearly three months after the Mumbai Police issued a Look Out Circular (LOC) against him over a social media post targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi. As a result of travel restrictions, the UK-based physician has been unable to return home and resume his professional responsibilities.

Also Read:UK-based doctor stranded in Mumbai over social media post on PM Modi

The city police registered an FIR against the UK citizen of Indian origin in December last for his alleged critical remarks on social media against BJP leaders.

Patil’s counsel Rajiv Shakdher on Monday told a single bench of Justice Ashwin Bhobe that the case against his client was politically motivated and part of an effort by the police to criminalise political speech and dissent.

While seeking permission to return to the UK, the doctor said he would file an affidavit assuring his continued cooperation with the police in the ongoing probe.

Shakdher told the court Patil has already appeared for questioning on several occasions before the police, and he has not been summoned since January. No custodial interrogation of the physician was required, he insisted, reports PTI.

Advocate General Milind Sathe opposed the plea, arguing that the content posted by Patil creates hatred and promotes enmity among two groups.

The court posted the matter for further hearing on April 15.

Also Read:FIR against UK-based doctor over posts against PM Modi justified, Mumbai police tells HC