The Delhi High Court on Wednesday declined to entertain a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking a scientific investigation into Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu’s claims that his wife recovered from stage 4 cancer through a diet regimen and Ayurveda.
Court’s Observations
A bench comprising Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela observed that Sidhu’s statements were his personal opinions and protected under freedom of speech.
“He is not instructing anyone to follow it; he is simply sharing what worked for him,” Justice Gedela remarked. He also suggested the petitioner focus on more evident public health risks, saying, “Instead of filing a PIL against Sidhu’s statements, perhaps you should challenge the production of cigarettes and alcohol, which are undoubtedly harmful.”
Following this observation, the petitioner, Divya Rana, withdrew the plea.
Concerns Raised by the Plea
The petition highlighted significant concerns over Sidhu’s claims, stating:
- His assertions lack validation from scientific or medical authorities.
- Leading oncologists have rejected the claims, emphasizing that cancer treatment requires complex interventions like chemotherapy, radiation, and targeted therapies.
- Sidhu’s statements on fasting and eliminating sugar and carbohydrates as potential treatments were described as oversimplified and unsupported by credible research.
The plea argued that the widespread dissemination of such unverified claims through media could mislead individuals into relying on unproven treatments, potentially endangering public health.
Media Amplification and Public Health Risks
The controversy gained momentum due to significant media coverage, with traditional and digital platforms repeatedly broadcasting the story. The petition expressed concerns about the influence of these claims on public perception and their potential to encourage misguided health practices.