Delhi High Court Rejects PIL Seeking Comprehensive Probe Into Navjot Singh Sidhu's Cancer Cure Claims

The Delhi High Court today dismissed a PIL seeking comprehensive and scientifically rigorous investigation into the claims of Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu that his wife's Stage 4 cancer was treated through a specific diet plan and Ayurveda.A division bench comprising of Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela remarked that Sidhu's statements were his personal opinion covered under free speech.The bench also advised the petitioner, Advocate Divya Rana to focus on more pressing public health issues and rejected the petition. The plea sought direction upon Navjot Singh Sidhu to provide the relevant medical records, treatment details and associated documentation regarding his wife's cancer diagnosis and her recovery through Ayurveda diet plan. The PIL also sought a direction on the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting as well as Meta and X to temporarily remove or disable access to the posts and videos containing Sidhu's claims.Rana had contended that the take down will ensure that the public is not misled or exposed to potentially harmful misinformation till pending the outcome of the scientific investigation. The plea also sought framing of guidelines for regulating the dissemination of unverified medical or health-related claims on digital platforms and social media to prevent the spread of misinformation.The plea stated that Sidhu's claims, while offering hope to cancer patients, are currently unverified and risk misleading the public if not scientifically validated.“The petitioner submits that this matter affects a vast population of cancer patients and their families who may be misled by unverified claims. If the claims are validated, they could lead to affordable and accessible cancer treatment options. Conversely, if proven false, it would prevent the spread of misinformation and protect lives,” it said. Title: DIVYA RANA v. UNION OF INDIA AND ORSCitation: 2024 LiveLaw (Del) 1316

Delhi High Court Rejects PIL Seeking Comprehensive Probe Into Navjot Singh Sidhu's Cancer Cure Claims

Nupur Thapliyal

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