UK Doctor Detained at Mumbai Airport Over Anti-BJP Social Media Posts
The Bombay High Court has scheduled a hearing for February 17 in the case of Sangram Patil, a UK-based doctor and YouTuber who was detained at Mumbai International Airport. Patil is challenging an FIR and Look Out Circular (LOC) issued against him for allegedly posting objectionable content about BJP leaders on social media platforms.
Urgent Hearing Sought Due to Job Security Concerns
During proceedings before Justice Ashwin D. Bhobe, advocate Ujjwalkumar Chavhan, representing Patil, requested an urgent hearing. He emphasized that the UK citizen's employment is at serious risk due to the legal actions taken by the state. The matter could not be addressed initially due to time constraints, prompting the urgent request.
Justice Bhobe stated he would "make an endeavour" to hear the case on February 17, a date mutually agreed upon by Patil's legal team and representatives of the Mumbai Police.
Police Affidavit Claims Critical Investigation Stage
In a detailed affidavit submitted to the court, Mumbai Police asserted that their investigation against Patil has reached a "critical stage." The document further suggested that "the possibility of an organised effort to malign constitutional authority cannot be ruled out," indicating broader concerns about the nature of the alleged social media activity.
Patil's Legal Plea and Detention Details
Sangram Patil has filed a comprehensive plea seeking several judicial interventions:
- Quashing of the FIR registered by Mumbai Police on December 14
- A stay on further investigation until the matter is resolved
- Protection from any coercive action during the legal proceedings
- Quashing of the Look Out Circular that prevented his travel to the UK
Patil was initially detained on January 10 upon arriving at Mumbai International Airport and was subsequently barred from leaving the country. In his petition, he contends that the FIR does not allege any incitement to violence, threat to public order, or disturbance of public tranquility, raising questions about the basis of the legal action.
Broader Implications and Next Steps
This case highlights the intersection of free speech, social media regulation, and international travel restrictions. The February 17 hearing at the Bombay High Court is expected to address both the procedural aspects of the LOC and the substantive allegations in the FIR. Legal experts are closely watching how the court balances individual rights with state security concerns in the digital age.
The outcome could set important precedents for how similar cases involving foreign nationals and social media content are handled by Indian authorities moving forward.
