Kerala High Court Admits IMA, IAPMR Appeals Against Order Allowing Physiotherapists To Use 'Dr.' Prefix

The Kerala High Court on Monday (March 2) admitted the appeals preferred by the Indian Medical Association (IMA) and the Indian Association of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (IAPMR) challenging a Single Bench decision permitting physiotherapists and doctors to use the 'Dr.' prefix. 

The Division Bench of Justice Sushrut Arvind Dharmadhikari and Justice P.V. Balakrishnan also issued notice to the parties.

Last week when the matter had come up, the Bench had orally remarked that it is not up to the Court to make a decision as to whether medical professionals or physiotherapists can use the prefix 'Dr.' and the same has to be decided by the government or the legislature. The matter was adjourned granting time to the senior counsel to seek instructions from the appellant in this regard.

Today, the Court asked what the instructions were and it was submitted that the matter can be argued on merits, raising all the points. On the submission, the Court felt that the matter has to be heard in detail. It thus admitted the appeals and issued notice.

The matter is posted on March 19 for hearing.

The appeals are moved by Advocates Mayankutty Mather (Sr.), S. Parvathi, T.K. Sreekala, Nikitha Susan Paulson, Uthara Asokan, K.G. Anil.

Case No: WA 437/ 2026 and connected cases

Case Title: Indian Medical Association v. Union of India and connected cases