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HC allows Dr Sangram Patil to fly back to the UK after LOC modification
The Bombay High Court granted permission for Dr Sangram Patil to return to the United Kingdom after accepting undertakings to cooperate with the investigation and directing the modification of the Look Out Circular against him. The decision follows a sequence of events beginning with an FIR in December 2025 and culminating in the court's May 5, 2026 order. The proceedings included hearings in April and the filing of undertakings on April 27, 2026.
Why It Matters
The ruling balances travel restrictions with a commitment to cooperation in an ongoing investigation and could set a precedent for handling Look Out Circulars in similar cases involving foreign nationals.
Timeline
6 Events
May 5, 2026: HC enables Patil to fly back to the UK
May 5, 2026
A single-judge bench of Justice Ashwin Bhobe accepted the undertakings and directed the state government to modify the Look Out Circular against Patil, allowing him to fly back to the United Kingdom.
Undertakings filed by Patil and parents
April 27, 2026
Patil and his parents filed undertakings stating that Patil would fully cooperate with the investigation and return to India whenever required, subject to a prior written notice of at least 15 days via email.
April 15, 2026: Court hearing comments
April 15, 2026
During a hearing, Justice Ashwin Bhobe observed that three months is a bit too harsh and noted the potential impact on Patil's employment. The court directed Patil and his parents to file undertakings within 10 days assuring that he would return to India whenever required by the police.
Patil detained after questioning
January 16, 2026
Patil was detained following the January 10 questioning, marking the start of his detention in India.
Patil stopped at Mumbai airport and questioned
January 10, 2026
Patil, a British citizen of Indian origin and a consultant with the UK's public health service, was stopped on arrival at Mumbai airport and questioned extensively for several hours.
FIR registered against Dr Sangram Patil
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, social media coordinator of the Bharatiya Janata Party's Maharashtra unit, alleging that Patil posted defamatory articles and remarks about BJP leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi.