Karnataka HC orders crackdown on clinics run by unqualified 'doctors'
Bengaluru, Apr 16 (PTI): The Karnataka High Court has issued a strong directive to the state government, calling for immediate action against clinics operated by "unqualified individuals" posing as doctors.
Justice M Nagaprasanna, presiding over the case, criticised the "unchecked proliferation" of such clinics, particularly in rural areas, stating that they pose a serious threat to public health.
"These quacks, masquerading as doctors, are putting innocent rural lives at risk by running clinics in remote regions and deceiving patients," the court observed.
Justice Nagaprasanna also expressed disbelief at the state’s apparent inaction in curbing the rise of such illegal practices, describing it as "blissful ignorance".
The court directed the Registry to forward its order to the Secretary of the Department of Health and Family Welfare, instructing the department to identify and shut down clinics managed by "unqualified individuals".
It also mandated the submission of an action-taken report to the court.
The directive came in response to a petition filed by A A Muralidharswamy, who had sought the registration of his clinic under the Karnataka Private Medical Establishments Act, 2007. However, Muralidharswamy holds only an SSLC (Class 10) qualification and failed to present any legitimate medical credentials during the hearing.
Although he claimed to be "qualified to practice alternative medicine" and submitted a certificate from the Indian Board of Alternative Medicine, the court found the certificate unconvincing and lacking proof of medical expertise.
He also held a Diploma in Community Medical Services with Essential Drugs, based on which he had been running ‘Sri Lakshmi Clinic’ in Mandya district for several years.
Upon reviewing the details, the bench noted that Muralidharswamy was the sole operator, administrator, and staff member of the clinic. When questioned, his counsel admitted that he had no formal education in any recognised system of medicine—be it Allopathy, Ayurveda, or Unani.
Calling the petitioner’s claim of being a doctor "plain and simple misrepresentation", the court concluded that his educational background did not entitle him to register under the state’s medical regulations. As such, the petition was dismissed.
The court emphasised that any clinic run by individuals without recognised medical qualifications must be shut down in accordance with the law.
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Man abducted, assaulted, forced to drink urine in Ajmer; nine arrested
Jaipur (PTI): Nine persons, including a woman, have been arrested for allegedly abducting a man and subjecting him to torture in Rajasthan's Ajmer district, police said on Sunday.
The incident took place on Saturday in Gagwana village under the Gegal police station area and was allegedly linked to an ongoing dispute, they said.
According to police, a marriage between a woman and a man from Beer village, had ended in divorce following which she had been living at her parental home. About five months ago, the victim, identified as Jeetu (21), married the woman.
The woman's former in-laws allegedly objected to this marriage, claiming that the issue had not been settled in accordance with community norms, and that the dispute had been ongoing.
Following this, Jeetu was allegedly abducted on Saturday, held captive, and assaulted by the woman's former in-law's. He was allegedly forced to wear a garland of shoes and slippers and made to drink urine, police said.
A video of the incident later surfaced on social media, triggering outrage in the area.
Following the circulation of the video, Jeetu's family staged a protest at the Gegal police station, alleging delay in police action.
Rural Circle Officer Ramchandra Chaudhary reached the spot and assured the family of prompt action. A case was registered on Saturday evening and teams were formed to trace the accused.
Superintendent of Police Harshvardhan Agarwala said nine accused, including a woman, have been arrested and the vehicles used in the crime seized.
Efforts are underway to apprehend the other absconding accused, police said.
