In a recent development, the Karnataka High Court has maintained its interim order allowing Dr. Cyriac Abby Philips, known on Twitter as ‘@theliverdr’, to keep his account operational until the trial court delivers its verdict on the interim applications. This decision follows a legal tussle initiated by Himalaya Wellness Company, which accused Dr. Philips of defaming its products on social media.
Also read- Karnataka High Court Modifies Suspension Of Dr. Cyriac Abby Philips’ Twitter Account (lawchakra.in)
The High Court’s stance came after both parties agreed to resolve their dispute regarding the applications at the trial court. Justice S.G. Pandit stated,
“Interim order made by this court shall continue till orders are passed on IA no 1 and 2 in the suit filed before the court (trial court).”
Previously, the trial court had ordered the suspension of Dr. Philips’ Twitter account, which was later modified by the High Court on October 10. The modification came after Dr. Philips consented to conceal the tweets in question, leading to the reinstatement of his account.
Himalaya Wellness Company’s lawsuit against Dr. Philips alleges that his tweets about their products caused significant financial damage and tarnished their reputation. The company’s application to the court claimed,
“The defendant (Dr. Philips) is making defamatory statements against the plaintiff company and its products with a view to defame the plaintiff company in the public eye.”
Dr. Philips, a vocal critic of alternative medicine practices, had posted critical comments on two Himalaya products, which the company deemed defamatory. The initial interim order by Judge D.P. Kumaraswamy of the Additional City Civil and Sessions Court in Bengaluru on September 23, supported Himalaya’s plea to suspend the @TheLiverDr account and to restrain Dr. Philips from making further “defamatory remarks” against the company or its products.
The legal proceedings have highlighted the delicate balance between freedom of speech and defamation, particularly in the context of social media. The case, “Dr. Cyriac Abby Philips And M/S Himalaya Wellness Company” (WP 22716/2023), is set to continue in the trial court, with the High Court’s interim protection of Dr. Philips’ Twitter account remaining in effect until further orders.
