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Dr Sangram Patil booked over PM Modi posts tells HC he will cooperate and return to India
UK-based doctor Dr Sangram Patil, booked after remarks about Prime Minister Modi, told the Bombay High Court he would cooperate with the investigation and return to India when required, while seeking permission to travel to the UK. The court had earlier sought undertakings from Patil and his parents, which were filed along with his statement of cooperation and travel plans. The timeline includes an FIR in December, his January arrival and detention, and a January LOC challenge, culminating in the April 2026 undertakings.
Why It Matters
The case touches on cross-border legal processes, freedom of expression, and the use of Look Out Circles in response to online posts by individuals abroad.
Timeline
6 Events
Undertakings filed; Patil to cooperate and return as required
April 27, 2026
Patil and his parents filed affidavits in compliance with the court's order. Patil stated he would fully cooperate with the investigation and return to India whenever required, and sought permission to travel back to the United Kingdom. The affidavits included a commitment to be available to the investigating officer with at least 15 days' prior written notice; Patil noted he is employed as a National Health Service consultant and would need notice to arrange travel.
HC observation on detention and duration
April 15, 2026
A single-judge bench of Justice Ashwin Bhobe observed that Patil had been held up in India since January and remarked that three months was too harsh, noting that he could lose his job; the court directed undertakings from Patil and his parents within 10 days.
Patil detained on January 16
January 16, 2026
Patil was detained on January 16 following his arrival in India.
Patil stopped at Mumbai airport on arrival in India
January 10, 2026
Patil, a British citizen of Indian origin, was stopped at Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport on his arrival in India on January 10.
Patil approaches Bombay High Court seeking quashing of LOC
January 2026
Patil approached the Bombay High Court seeking quashing of a Look Out Circular that, according to him, prevented him from returning to the United Kingdom.
FIR registered against Patil at NM Joshi Marg police station
December 18, 2025
An FIR was registered against Dr Sangram Patil at NM Joshi Marg police station based on a complaint filed by Nikhil Bhamre, the social media coordinator of the BJP Maharashtra unit, alleging that Patil posted defamatory articles and remarks about BJP leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi.