The Karnataka High Court has refused to quash criminal proceedings against a man accused of posing as a doctor and providing faulty treatment for piles, stressing that practicing without proper qualifications is a serious offence that cannot be overlooked.
The case centers on Milan Mandal, who allegedly misrepresented himself as a qualified practitioner and treated a patient, leading to severe long-term complications.
The incident dates back to 2021, when a patient named Veeresh sought treatment for piles (fistula) from Mandal. According to the complaint, Mandal claimed to be trained in Ayurveda and proceeded with the treatment despite allegedly lacking valid medical qualifications.
During the procedure, Veeresh’s internal anal sphincter was reportedly damaged. Following the treatment, he experienced persistent bleeding, ongoing pain, and prolonged discomfort, along with health complications that continued for several years, ultimately forcing him to seek further medical care.
After enduring complications for nearly four years, Veeresh filed a formal complaint in 2025, bringing the matter to the attention of health authorities.
Subsequently:
A taluk health officer lodged a police complaint
Authorities registered an FIR against Mandal
Charges were invoked under relevant provisions of law, including unauthorized medical practice
Police registered a First Information Report (FIR) against the accused under Section 19 of the Karnataka Private Medical Establishments Act, 2007, which penalizes running an unregistered private medical establishment. They also invoked Sections 318(2) (cheating) and 319(2) (cheating by personation) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
The case marked a delayed but significant step toward accountability in alleged medical negligence.
Mandal later approached the Karnataka High Court seeking to quash the criminal case filed against him.
He argued against the proceedings, but the court was not convinced.
The timeline of the case reflects how medical negligence cases can unfold over time:
2021: Alleged improper treatment for piles
2021–2025: Patient suffers prolonged complications
2025: Complaint filed and FIR registered
2026: High Court refuses to quash criminal proceedings
While rejecting his plea, the Karnataka High Court made strong observations, noting that the accused had allegedly practiced medicine without recognized qualifications and misled patients by presenting himself as a legitimate doctor. The court stated that such actions pose a direct threat to public health and safety.
According to Indian Express Justice M Nagaprasanna said on Wednesday, while dismissing a petition filed by Milan Mandal, “When the petitioner does not have qualification, it is understandable as to how he can call himself a doctor on a certificate issued by some Sangha and project himself to be a registered medical practitioner.”
It further emphasized that allowing such cases to be dismissed at an early stage would send the wrong message and undermine existing regulatory safeguards.
(Rh/ARC)