Junior doctors of Gandhi Medical College, under the banner of the Junior Doctors Association (JDA), staged a symbolic protest on Saturday against the arrest of Dr Praveen Soni.

 

The doctors tied black ribbons across departments at Hamidia Hospital and Gandhi Medical College, demanding the withdrawal of the criminal case filed against Dr Soni and the immediate restoration of his services. JDA President Dr Mahendra Pratap Singh stated that the arrest violates Supreme Court guidelines, which mandate that no legal action should be taken against a medical professional for duties performed in good faith without a prior investigation.

 

“In this case, no inquiry was conducted. Direct action was taken, which is unjust and unacceptable,” he said. The association also called for disciplinary action against the Controller of the Food and Drug Administration, alleging procedural lapses and overreach in the matter. Dr Soni’s arrest has sparked widespread concern among the medical fraternity, who view it as a threat to professional autonomy and a breach of legal safeguards meant to protect doctors performing their duties. The JDA emphasised that such actions could demoralise healthcare providers and hinder patient care.