The Gujarat High Court has granted interim relief to a cardiologist from Keshod by staying a sessions court direction that asked the Gujarat Medical Council (GMC) to initiate disciplinary proceedings against him.
The matter relates to Dr Rajesh Sangani, who came under scrutiny after two medical certificates he issued for Faruq Maulana, a transporter from Veraval facing murder and extortion charges, were produced before the Veraval sessions court in support of a bail plea.
According to the prosecution, the certificates, dated June 3 and June 19, were issued despite Maulana being in custody and without the doctor examining him. The certificates became an issue during proceedings before Additional Sessions Judge J J Pandya.
Dr Sangani was subsequently asked to explain the documents. He told the court that the certificates were based on his medical assessment and information provided by the patient’s relatives.
The sessions court was not satisfied with the explanation and concluded that the certificates contained inaccurate information. It observed that one was allegedly used to facilitate the supply of food from outside the jail, while the other was submitted in connection with Maulana’s request for temporary bail.
In an order passed on August 11, the sessions court directed the GMC to take appropriate action against Dr Sangani for alleged professional misconduct under the Indian Medical Council (Professional Misconduct) Etiquette and Ethics Regulations, 2022.
The court also raised concerns about the alleged practice of prisoners facing serious criminal charges obtaining medical certificates and seeking hospitalisation as a means of securing temporary relief from custody. It warned that inaccurate or misleading medical certificates could have serious consequences for the administration of justice.
Dr Sangani subsequently approached the Gujarat High Court, challenging the sessions court’s direction. His lawyer argued that the sessions court, while dealing with a bail application, lacked the authority to order the GMC to take disciplinary action against a medical practitioner.
After hearing the petition, Justice M R Mengdey admitted the matter and stayed the sessions court’s order concerning action by the GMC. The petition will be heard further on January 6, 2027.