Defamation Or Debate? Dr. Philips Charged For Criticizing Homeopathy

What’s the news: RaeBareli police in Uttar Pradesh filed an FIR against Dr. Abby Philips, better known as “@theliverdoc” on social media platforms for trying to “defame AYUSH and Homeopathy system of treatment,” as per a summons notice sent to the doctor. The FIR charges Philips under Section 66 of the Information Technology Act but police told MediaNama they cannot share further information on the charges before speaking to the accused.

What? Seriously. pic.twitter.com/ydkmMrJ0yb

— TheLiverDoc (@theliverdr) May 12, 2024

Homeopathy doctor says Philips attacks AYUSH practice: Speaking to MediaNama, Indrapal Singh Senger, Inspector Crime Branch of RaeBareli, said that the complaint was filed by Rajeev Singh, a homeopathy practitioner, in September 2023. In his complaint, Singh said Philips is “abusing”, “defaming” and personally “attacking” the AYUSH mode of treatment on microblogging platform X. The complaint was also forwarded to the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister, the National President of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), National Organizing Secretary of BJP, and Chief Minister of Kerala.

What’s interesting is the language used by Singh reminds one of Section 66A of the IT Act that sought to penalize information that is “grossly offensive” or has menacing character. The provision has already been struck down by the Supreme Court of India in 2015 but police officials across India continue to exercise this Section.

Here, Senger said police will wait until Philips reverts to them with evidence denying the accusations made by Singh. In an X post, Philips expressed his frustration, stating that he initially thought the compliant to be a prank.

Inspector of Crime Branch, Raebareli, Uttar Pradesh, sent summons giving 3 days to show up at their police station.

At first I thought some child had written it and it was fake.

But its not.

Detailed official complaint (shown in pic) was made in September 2023 by a Homeopathy… https://t.co/2u4lEuRfe6 pic.twitter.com/jmte03zHFv

— TheLiverDoc (@theliverdr) May 13, 2024

Also Read:

• ‘The Liver Doctor’ X account suspended following defamation case by Himalaya Wellness Corporation
• “Zombie” Section 66A Returns in Fresh FIR Against Editors Guild of India for Report on Manipur Violence
• Gov Declines Info On Why India Removed A Section 66A-Like Clause from Global Cybercrime Treaty: RTI
• No Citizen Can Be Prosecuted under Struck Down Section 66A of the IT Act: Supreme Court

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