Himalaya gets The Liver Doc's X account suspended worldwide

Kerala-based hepatologist, Dr Cyriac Abby Philips, renowned as 'TheLiverDoc' on social media, has had his account temporarily withheld globally/suspended on the X platform (formerly Twitter) due to a "legal demand."

This action follows a defamation lawsuit filed against him by Himalaya Wellness Corporation, a pharmaceutical and wellness company, which alleges that Dr. Philips made defamatory statements against the company.

The court's ruling

• A civil court in Bengaluru issued an ex-parte injunction (done temporarily on urgent matters) order, directing X (formerly Twitter) to suspend Dr Philips' account.
• The ruling was based on Section 151 of the Code of Civil Procedure 1908.
• The injunction now restricts Dr Philips from tweeting, making or publishing defamatory remarks, retweeting, and republishing such statements under Section 79 of the Information Technology Act 2000.
• According to the court's judgment, the statements and materials posted by Dr Philips were deemed false and unjustified.
• The court also said that the removal of such materials would minimise damage to the affected party.
• The next court hearing is scheduled for January 5, 2024.

Dr Philips, widely known as 'TheLiverDoc,' is known to voice critical views on alternative medicine, particularly Ayurveda, Homeopathy and Unani. He has been actively treating patients suffering from complications arising from the use of alternative medicines.

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Himalaya's allegations

• Himalaya Wellness Corporation alleged that Dr Philips posted derogatory statements and materials against the company that negatively affected their business.
• Senior Advocate Uday Holla, representing Himalaya, argued that Dr Philips posted such material and promoted products from Cipla and Alchem (other allopathic drug manufacturers).

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The court, in its decision, referred to judgments from the apex court and various high courts, highlighting the gravity of the consequences of posting defamatory materials on social media platforms.

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