Rapid Summary:
- the Supreme Court was informed that the Chhattisgarh Police has filed a closure report in an FIR against Baba Ramdev over remarks made about allopathy during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Solicitor General Tushar Mehta alleged the complaints against Ramdev were “sponsored” by interested groups.
- advocate Siddharth Dave noted that while Chhattisgarh responded as per court directions, an FIR from Bihar remains unresolved.Justice M.M. Sundresh assured Ramdev protection from coercive action, and adjourned the case to December.
- The original complaints from Indian Medical Association (IMA) chapters claimed Ramdev’s statements undermined COVID treatment efforts and dissuaded proper medical aid.
- Multiple IPC sections along with the Disaster management Act provisions were invoked initially, including those relating to negligence likely to spread disease and provoking breach of peace.
- baba Ramdev had withdrawn his controversial comments on May 23, 2021, following criticism from then Health Minister Harsh Vardhan.
Indian Opinion analysis:
The closure report lodged by Chhattisgarh Police suggests diminishing legal impact on Baba Ramdev’s earlier controversies regarding his contentious remarks on allopathy during COVID management. However, one pending FIR in Bihar highlights lingering concerns over accountability for influential public figures who make anti-scientific claims.Justice Sundresh’s assurance of protection for Mr. Ramdev reflects cautious judicial safeguards amidst potential protest complaints.
ramdev’s statements had triggered vital public discourse around modern medicine versus traditional practices such as Ayurveda.While some dismiss these incidents as inconsequential after withdrawal of comments, their implications affect trust in healthcare systems during critical times like pandemics. Continued scrutiny should weigh free speech against duty when addressing health emergencies.
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