Mumbai: In present-day India, critics say that voicing dissent against the government on social media can sometimes result in criminal complaints, the issuance of Lookout Circulars (LOCs) and even detention at airports.
London-based doctor and YouTuber Sangram Patil, who is known for his sharp criticism of the BJP-led government, recently faced such a situation during a visit to India. Patil, a British citizen and consultant with the UK’s National Health Service, arrived in Mumbai with his wife on January 10, but was stopped at immigration and taken to the Crime Branch for questioning. He was released after being detained for more than 15 hours.
Police later clarified that Patil had not been arrested but had been served a notice under Section 35(3) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, which allows questioning in cases involving minor offences without arrest. He was let off the same day after his statement was recorded.
The action followed a complaint by BJP functionary Nikhil Bhamre, who handles the party’s social media accounts. Bhamre alleged that Patil had shared objectionable Facebook content that defamed a senior BJP leader.
The complaint also referred to posts from another account, ‘Shahar Vikas Aghadi’. Police invoked Section 353(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which deals with statements allegedly promoting public mischief or inciting enmity and carries a maximum punishment of three years while remaining a bailable offence, The Wire reported.
Mumbai Police’s Crime Branch Unit III took up the complaint, and Patil was summoned again for questioning on January 16. Patil later said he had submitted a written response and informed the police about his return flight scheduled for January 19, adding that he was assured the LOC against him would be withdrawn.
However, Patil said that when he attempted to board his flight on the morning of January 19, he was stopped again and informed that the LOC was still in place. While the police maintained that the LOC had been downgraded, they said his presence was required in India for further inquiry.
Patil has since been directed to appear for another round of questioning on January 22, which he described as disproportionate action over what he said was a single-line Facebook post. He said the FIR, LOC and repeated questioning had caused significant distress to him and his family.
As the matter drew attention, the British High Commission became involved. Patil said the British High Commissioner and MP Claire Hughes were monitoring the case, and he shared correspondence indicating that Hughes’s office was in touch with the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office to explore possible intervention.