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By:

Quaid Najmi

4 January 2025 at 3:26:24 pm

YouTuber challenges FIR, LoC in HC

Mumbai : The Bombay High Court issued notice to the state government on a petition filed by UK-based medico and YouTuber, Dr. Sangram Patil, seeking to quash a Mumbai Police FIR and revoking a Look Out Circular in a criminal case lodged against him, on Thursday.   Justice Ashwin D. Bhobe, who heard the matter with preliminary submissions from both sides, sought a response from the state government and posted the matter for Feb. 4.   Maharashtra Advocate-General Milind Sathe informed the court...

YouTuber challenges FIR, LoC in HC

Mumbai : The Bombay High Court issued notice to the state government on a petition filed by UK-based medico and YouTuber, Dr. Sangram Patil, seeking to quash a Mumbai Police FIR and revoking a Look Out Circular in a criminal case lodged against him, on Thursday.   Justice Ashwin D. Bhobe, who heard the matter with preliminary submissions from both sides, sought a response from the state government and posted the matter for Feb. 4.   Maharashtra Advocate-General Milind Sathe informed the court that the state would file its reply within a week in the matter.   Indian-origin Dr. Patil, hailing from Jalgaon, is facing a criminal case here for posting allegedly objectionable content involving Bharatiya Janata Party leaders on social media.   After his posts on a FB page, ‘Shehar Vikas Aghadi’, a Mumbai BJP media cell functionary lodged a criminal complaint following which the NM Joshi Marg Police registered a FIR (Dec. 18, 2025) and subsequently issued a LoC against Dr. Patil, restricting his travels.   The complainant Nikhil Bhamre filed the complaint in December 2025, contending that Dr. Patil on Dec. 14 posted offensive content intended to spread ‘disinformation and falsehoods’ about the BJP and its leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi.   Among others, the police invoked BNSS Sec. 353(2) that attracts a 3-year jail term for publishing or circulating statements or rumours through electronic media with intent to promote enmity or hatred between communities.   Based on the FIR, Dr. Patil was detained and questioned for 15 hours when he arrived with his wife from London at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (Jan. 10), and again prevented from returning to Manchester, UK on Jan. 19 in view of the ongoing investigations.   On Wednesday (Jan. 21) Dr. Patil recorded his statement before the Mumbai Police and now he has moved the high court. Besides seeking quashing of the FIR and the LoC, he has sought removal of his name from the database imposing restrictions on his international travels.   Through his Senior Advocate Sudeep Pasbola, the medico has sought interim relief in the form of a stay on further probe by Crime Branch-III and coercive action, restraint on filing any charge-sheet during the pendency of the petition and permission to go back to the UK.   Pasbola submitted to the court that Dr. Patil had voluntarily travelled from the UK to India and was unaware of the FIR when he landed here. Sathe argued that Patil had appeared in connection with other posts and was not fully cooperating with the investigators.

Diwali: The Festival That Lights Up Hearts and Homes

Diwali whispers softly, ‘Slow down, light a lamp and let your soul shine a little brighter.’

Diwali, one of the most popular Hindu festivals, is celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervour across India. The festival, also known as Deepavali, is a five-day celebration that honours the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.


Story behind Diwali

The story behind Diwali is associated with the Hindu epic, Ramayana. According to the epic, Diwali commemorates the return of Lord Rama, the king of Ayodhya, after a 14-year exile.


After defeating the demon king Ravana, Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya with his wife, Sita, and brother, Lakshmana. The people of Ayodhya welcomed their king by lighting diyas (earthen lamps) and decorating their homes with flowers and rangoli. This joyous occasion is celebrated as Diwali, symbolising the victory of good over evil and light over darkness.


Significance of Diwali

Diwali is a celebration of the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness. The festival has significant spiritual and cultural importance, and its significance can be understood in various ways:


Victory of Good over Evil: Diwali symbolises the victory of good over evil, as Lord Rama defeated the demon king Ravana.


Light over Darkness: The festival celebrates the triumph of light over darkness, symbolising the victory of knowledge and wisdom over ignorance.


New Beginnings: Diwali marks the beginning of a new year in many parts of India, and it is considered an auspicious time for new ventures and endeavours.


Rituals and Traditions: Diwali is celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervour, and the rituals and traditions vary across different regions and cultures. Some of the common practices include:

  • Cleaning and Decorating Homes: Homes are thoroughly cleaned and decorated with diyas, rangoli, and flowers to welcome the goddess Lakshmi.

  • Lighting Diyas: Diyas are lit to dispel darkness and bring light and prosperity into the home.

  • Worshipping Goddess Lakshmi: Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped for wealth, prosperity, and good fortune.

  • Fireworks and Illuminations: Fireworks and illuminations are an integral part of Diwali celebrations, symbolising the triumph of light over darkness.

  • Family Gatherings: Diwali is a time for family gatherings and celebrations, and people come together to share sweets, gifts, and love.


Celebrations across India

Diwali, the festival of lights, celebrates the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance. Beyond its rituals and revelry, the festival holds deep spiritual and cultural significance.


But Diwali’s glow isn’t just from lamps and lights — it shines from within. As homes are cleaned and decorated, the act of decluttering becomes symbolic, reflecting a desire to clear not just physical spaces but also mental clutter. Clean surroundings, after all, inspire clean energy and a lighter mind.


Kindness and forgiveness, too, are at the heart of Diwali’s message. Letting go of grudges and old hurts brings a sense of peace that no lamp can match — it is this inner glow that truly lights up lives.


Gratitude and prayer also find a special place during the festival. A thankful heart radiates positive energy, and that quiet joy reflects in one’s face and presence. Even simple self-care rituals — a warm oil bath, an ubtan scrub, the scent of sandalwood, or the comfort of bright festive clothes — help uplift the mood and spirit. Because the real glow of Diwali does not come from makeup or lights but from a heart that feels light.


In a world that often rushes and forgets to pause, Diwali whispers softly, ‘Slow down, light a lamp and let your soul shine a little brighter.’ This Diwali let us not just illuminate our homes but also our thoughts, our words and our actions – so that wherever we go, we leave a little trail of light behind.


Happy Diwali to you!


(The writer is a tutor based in Thane.)

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