National Commission for Homoeopathy Issues Directive Against Misleading Statements on Homoeopathy
The National Commission for Homoeopathy (NCH), through its Board of Ethics and Registration in Homoeopathy (BERH), has issued a circular cautioning individuals, institutions, and stakeholders against making derogatory, misleading, or unsubstantiated statements about homoeopathy and its registered practitioners across print, electronic, digital, and social media platforms.
The directive, dated June 8, 2026, reiterates that homoeopathy is a legally recognized system of medicine under the National Commission for Homoeopathy Act, 2020, and that duly registered practitioners are authorized to practice in accordance with the law.
NCH Objects to Use of the Term ‘Quack’ for Registered Practitioners
According to the circular, the Commission has observed the circulation of what it described as misleading and unsubstantiated statements targeting homoeopathy and registered homoeopathic practitioners.
The Commission stated that any communication, publication, press release, social media post, website content, government document, FIR, official notice, press briefing, or complaint that labels duly registered homoeopathic practitioners as “quacks” would be considered misleading, defamatory, and harmful to their professional reputation.
The directive further noted that such characterizations could potentially violate applicable statutory provisions as well as the constitutional rights of registered homoeopathic practitioners.
Stakeholders Asked to Exercise Due Diligence
The NCH advised practitioners, healthcare institutions, organizations, and other stakeholders to exercise due diligence while issuing public statements related to homoeopathy and its practitioners.
The Commission urged all concerned parties to avoid language that may be defamatory, misleading, or prejudicial toward the profession.
It also clarified that complaints or concerns regarding the conduct of individual practitioners should be addressed through established statutory, regulatory, disciplinary, or legal mechanisms rather than through generalized remarks directed at the entire homoeopathy profession.
Commission Reaffirms Commitment to Protecting Homoeopathy
Reiterating its position, the Commission said it remains committed to safeguarding the dignity, legal status, and professional standing of homoeopathy in India.
The circular warned that any deliberate attempt to discredit the system of homoeopathy or its registered practitioners would be dealt with in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
The document was digitally signed by Dr. Harcharan Jeet Kaur, President of the Board of Ethics and Registration in Homoeopathy (BERH), National Commission for Homoeopathy.
Social Media Debate Erupts After Circular
The directive has triggered significant discussion on social media platforms, with supporters viewing it as a step toward protecting registered practitioners from defamatory remarks, while critics have raised concerns about its implications for scientific criticism and public debate.
Among the critics was physician and social media commentator TheLiverDoc, who claimed that government-linked mechanisms were being used to restrict online criticism of homoeopathy. In a post on X, he described the development as “shameful” and argued that it shields what he termed “pseudoscience and its practitioners from scientific scrutiny.”
Instagram Post Access Restricted Under IT Rules
TheLiverDoc also shared screenshots indicating that one of his Instagram posts had become inaccessible to users. According to the notice displayed on the platform, access to the content had been restricted through an automated system implemented to comply with legal requirements under India’s Information Technology rules.
The incident has added another dimension to the ongoing debate surrounding homoeopathy, freedom of expression, scientific criticism, and the regulation of online content in India.
