In a courtroom hearing on Wednesday, April 15, Justice Ashwin Bhobe of the Bombay High Court directed UK-based doctor and YouTuber Dr Sangram Patil to file a formal undertaking. In it, Patil must promise that he will fully cooperate with the investigation into his alleged defamatory social media post against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP leaders.

Conditions Set by Court:

The Court said that Patil must also agree to return to India whenever the Investigating Officer calls him, as long as he is given at least 15 days’ notice. Justice Bhobe stated clearly, “On the next date, i.e. on May 5, we will consider the undertaking and decide the further course.”

This order came after Advocate General Milind Sathe, appearing for the Maharashtra Government, made his arguments in Court. He asked the Court to wait at least three months before hearing Dr Sangram Patil’s request to cancel the Look Out Circular (LOC), saying that the investigation is still going on.

With the help of Chief Public Prosecutor Mankunwar Deshmukh, Sathe told the Court that the police are still trying to find a connection between Patil and the “Shahar Aghadi” social media account, which had posted similar defamatory content.

Court Pushes Back:

However, Justice Bhobe disagreed with keeping the matter pending for too long. He said, “You cannot hold a person like this… You will have to complete the probe which you have not done yet… Thus, he cannot be held like this.”

Sathe argued that Patil is a foreign national and may not return if he is allowed to go back to the UK.

The counsel appearing for Patil, responded by saying that his client is ready to give the undertaking. He also pointed out that Patil has strong ties to India, including a house and elderly parents who can ensure his return. He also referred to Patil’s affidavit, which included an apology: “On reflection my client has realised that the language used cannot be perceived to be harsh… But if it has hurt some sentiments, he regrets it…”

Job and Family Concerns:

He further explained Patil’s situation, saying, “This Court must consider the fact that I am a Consultant with the National Health Services, UK. I am here in India since January 2026 and was last called for interrogation by the police in January itself. If I do not resume my work there, I will be rendered jobless. I have a family there, my wife, my children all are there. Even my patients are waiting for my return.”

Taking note of these concerns, Justice Bhobe asked the Advocate General what could be done. Sathe suggested that Patil should not be allowed to travel for three months, and that relief from the LOC could be considered later if the investigation is still not complete.

Hearing Adjourned:

The Court did not accept this timeline and instead postponed the matter. The next hearing is scheduled for May 5, when the Court will review Patil’s undertaking and decide what to do next.

Case Details: Sangram Patil vs. State of Maharashtra & Ors