Kerala High Court Stays Summons To 'The Liver Doc' In Criminal Defamation Case By Ayurvedic Company

The Kerala High Court on Tuesday stayed the summons issued to hepatologist Dr Cyriac Abby Philips, popularly known as 'The LiverDoc' in social media, in a criminal defamation case filed against him by an Ayurvedic manufacturer over his comments that Ayurvedic herbal medicines can cause liver damage.

Justice Jobin Sebastian, while issuing notice on the doctor's petition seeking the quashing of the proceedings, ordered that the summons be deferred till May 22.

The proceedings arise from a private complaint filed before the Thrissur Magistrate by the SN Oushadashala Pvt Ltd alleging that the doctor's social media statements regarding a case of herb-induced liver injury caused reputational harm to the company.

The doctor had commented that a patient of his had suffered liver damage after consuming the traditional Ayurvedic drug 'Kashayam'

Seeking the quashing of the defamation complaint, the doctor, in his petition filed under Section 528 BNSS, contended that even if the allegations in the complaint are accepted at face value, the essential ingredients of defamation under Section 499 IPC are not satisfied.

It is argued that the statements in question amount only to criticism of a product and its alleged effects, which, in law, does not constitute defamation.

The petitioner further submits that the social media post was based on actual clinical findings supported by medical records and scientific analysis, and was made in good faith to raise awareness on a matter of public health. On this basis, he claims protection under the statutory exceptions to defamation provided under Section 499 IPC.

It is contended that the Magistrate misappreciated the law and facts, including by evaluating scientific methodology at the stage of cognizance. The petitioner argues that continuing criminal proceedings against a medical professional who acted in discharge of his professional duty without malice amounts to an abuse of the process of court and has a chilling effect on scientific discourse and free speech.

Advocates Thomas J. Anakkallunkal, Anupa Anna Jose Kandoth, Sreelakshmi Sabu, Dhanya Sunny, Archana N. J., Ann Jomiya Antony, and Anjali C. S. appeared for the petitioner.

Case : Dr Cyriac Abby Philips v State of Kerala and another | Crl MC 3647/2026