Mumbai, March 23 Dr. Sangram Patil, based in Britain, told the Bombay High Court on Monday that the FIR filed against him for allegedly making objectionable remarks against BJP leaders was an attempt to criminalize political speech and dissent, while also assuring cooperation with the police in the ongoing investigation.
Patil, who is accused of promoting animosity between different groups, has filed a petition in the HC challenging the FIR in Mumbai, as well as the Lookout Circular (LOC) issued against him, which prevented him from traveling to the UK.
It is worth noting that a Lookout Circular prevents a person under investigation from leaving the country.
The city police filed the FIR against the UK-based Indian citizen in December last for his alleged critical remarks on social media against BJP leaders.
Patil's lawyer, Rajiv Shakdher, 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 criminalize political speech and dissent.
The doctor, while seeking permission to return to the UK, said he would file an affidavit assuring his continued cooperation with the police in the investigation.
Shakdher told the court that Patil had already appeared for questioning on several occasions before the police and that he had not been summoned since January.
He insisted that no custodial interrogation of the physician was necessary.
The Advocate General, Milind Sathe, opposed the plea, arguing that the content posted by Patil creates hatred and promotes animosity among two groups.
The court has scheduled the matter for further hearing on April 15.
