Cyriac Abby Philips, better known online as “The Liver Doc,” now has to show up in court. The Chief Judicial Magistrate in Thrissur sent him a summons for December 3, 2025, after an Ayurveda company filed a criminal defamation case. They’re going after him under IPC Section 500.
What happened?
Philips went public with warnings about liver risks from some herbal and Ayurvedic medicines, especially the ones that aren’t closely regulated. The company says his words damaged their reputation. Philips, though, says he was just sharing scientific facts to protect people. He posted the court summons on X and called the lawsuit an attempt to shut down criticism of what he calls “unproven and unsafe” herbal remedies.
This isn’t Philips’ first run-in with herbal supplement makers. He’s been a vocal critic for a while, constantly challenging these companies to back up their claims with real scientific data. Last year, he even had his social media account blocked after another similar lawsuit.
Why does this matter?
It’s really about the clash between doctors who push for evidence-based medicine and traditional companies that defend their own systems. It also throws up bigger questions about free speech, scientific debate, and how India handles safety in its booming herbal medicine business.
Next up, Philips will have to appear in court. The outcome might set the tone for how freely medical professionals can question alternative medicine in India — and could drive changes in how the country regulates herbal products and protects consumers.