A local court has summoned a doctor couple in a Rs 50 lakh defamation case filed by a retired biologist who served as a district COVID officer. The dispute relates to complaints made during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and subsequent criminal proceedings involving both sides.
Background of the Dispute
The defamation suit was filed by the retired officer through his advocate before the Additional Civil Judge. The court has directed the doctor couple to submit their response by September 1, 2026.
According to the petition, the dispute originated in 2020 when the complainant allegedly approached senior health officials regarding the doctor couple. It was alleged that the doctors continued operating an OPD despite testing positive for COVID-19 and allegedly failed to comply with government quarantine guidelines.
The complaint subsequently led to a departmental inquiry and registration of an FIR at Urban Estate police station under Sections 188, 269 and 270 of the IPC, along with Section 54 of the Disaster Management Act.
Counter-Complaint and Subsequent Proceedings
The petition further stated that the doctor couple later lodged a complaint against the retired officer. This resulted in another FIR being registered at City police station under Section 509 of the IPC.
The retired officer has claimed that the allegations made against him were subsequently found to be unsubstantiated. According to his petition, the FIR was later cancelled, while a related protest petition was also withdrawn.
Despite this, the complainant alleged that the accusations against him were circulated through newspapers, YouTube and social media platforms. He claimed that the circulation of the allegations caused him mental distress and adversely affected his social and professional reputation.
Rs 50 Lakh Compensation Sought
The retired officer has sought Rs 50 lakh in damages along with 18% annual interest. He has also sought a public apology on social media and an unconditional apology to be published on the front page of a national newspaper.
The complainant further stated that a legal notice was sent to the defendants but received no response.
Court Issues Summons
The court has now issued summonses to the doctor couple and directed them to file their response by September 1, 2026.
The matter will proceed further after the submissions of both sides are placed before the court.
Important Highlights
- A local court has summoned a doctor couple in a Rs 50 lakh defamation suit.
- The dispute relates to complaints made during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
- An FIR was registered under IPC Sections 188, 269 and 270 and Section 54 of the Disaster Management Act.
- The retired officer has alleged that accusations against him were circulated through newspapers, YouTube and social media.
- He has sought Rs 50 lakh in damages with 18% annual interest and public apologies.
- The doctor couple has been directed to submit their response by September 1, 2026.
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