Instagram not meant to create panic: Karnataka HC refuses relief to doctor who claimed Nandini products were toxic

The Karnataka High Court on Monday declined to stay criminal proceedings initiated against a Bengaluru-based dermatologist accused of spreading misinformation about Nandini dairy products through Instagram reels [Dr Sharanya Padma Vs State of Karnataka].

Social media cannot be used to create public panic without scientific basis, said Justice M Nagaprasanna while refusing to grant interim relief to the accused doctor on her plea to quash the criminal case against her.

The Court has sought the State's response to the plea, as well as a response from the Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF), which had filed the complaint against the doctor.

In its complaint, the KMF had accused dermatologist Dr Sharanya Padma of uploading reels on Instagram and other social media platforms with defamatory claims that certain Nandini milk products were unsafe for consumption.

According to reports, she is alleged to have stated that some Nandini products, including its strawberry-flavoured milk and other similar beverages, were toxic and contained chemicals, which could lead to health issues.

Based on KMF's complaint, the Malleshwaram police registered a case against Dr Padma, who is employed at a private hospital in Bengaluru and also runs a clinic in Malur, Kolar district.

Dr Padma has now moved a petition to quash the case against her.

During today's hearing, her counsel submitted that she had only commented on strawberry-flavoured Nandini products and had not made any statements regarding Nandini milk itself.

The submission drew sharp remarks from the Court.

"How can you tell that? You are generating panic among all citizens. How can you say Nandini milk is not good? Have you tested it? Are you certified? Have you communicated it to the government? Is Instagram meant for that?"

The Court further observed the statements were made without having tested the quality of the milk.

"'Spurious milk'... what do you mean? You can't generate panic like this. Saying milk is spurious, the strawberry flavour is not good - if it is not good, then you don't drink. Why do you have to do all this? Did anybody send it for testing?"

Expressing concern over unverified statements being circulated on social media, the judge remarked that

"Casually, at the drop of a hat, you make statements and create problems in society. Instagram is not meant for that."