Bengal Medical Body Restores Santanu Sen’s Registration After Suspension Over Alleged Misconduct

In a significant development for West Bengal’s medical fraternity, the West Bengal Medical Council (WBMC) has officially restored the medical registration of Dr. Santanu Sen, senior physician and Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament. The decision comes after months of inquiry, appeals, and growing pressure from the medical community and political circles. Dr. Sen’s license had been temporarily suspended following allegations of professional misconduct, a decision that stirred widespread debate and division within the healthcare system of the state.

This restoration not only paves the way for Dr. Sen to resume his medical practice legally but also reignites conversations around the transparency, independence, and fairness of medical regulatory bodies in India.

What Led to the Suspension?

Dr. Santanu Sen, an ENT specialist with decades of experience, had been serving patients across Kolkata when the WBMC suspended his license in early 2024. According to officials, the disciplinary action was taken following complaints alleging unethical conduct and professional overreach during his dual role as a physician and an MP.

Allegations included:

• Violation of doctor-patient confidentiality in a politically sensitive case
• Alleged misuse of hospital resources for political gatherings
• Failure to adhere to administrative protocols in a public healthcare institution

While Dr. Sen strongly denied all allegations and termed the suspension “politically motivated,” the council had proceeded with a provisional suspension pending a detailed inquiry.

Timeline of Events

Reactions From the Medical Fraternity

The reinstatement of Dr. Sen’s registration has received mixed reactions across the state. While his supporters hailed the decision as “a restoration of justice,” some medical watchdogs and civil society groups believe the reversal sets a concerning precedent.

Indian Medical Association (West Bengal Chapter) issued a statement saying:

“Dr. Sen’s case exposed gaps in administrative transparency. However, after reviewing documentation and legal submissions, we trust the WBMC’s reinstatement was procedurally fair.”

A section of doctors also raised concerns about medical councils being influenced by political affiliations, warning that such practices could erode public trust in the impartiality of these regulatory institutions.

Political Ramifications of the Decision

As a sitting Rajya Sabha MP from the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC), Dr. Santanu Sen’s medical suspension had become a political flashpoint. TMC leaders accused the BJP-led opposition of weaponizing institutional bodies to target dissenting voices, especially those active in health and public policy debates.

Senior TMC spokespersons applauded the council’s decision and reiterated that Dr. Sen’s track record as both a physician and a public servant had always been “above board.”

Opposition voices, meanwhile, raised questions about whether political influence had a role in the reinstatement process, suggesting a thorough independent review by a central body would provide further clarity.

Key Provisions of the West Bengal Medical Council Act Invoked

The WBMC’s authority stems from the West Bengal Medical Council Act, 1914 (and its amendments), which allows the council to:

• Suspend or cancel the license of a registered medical practitioner based on serious professional misconduct.
• Appoint an inquiry committee comprising medical peers and legal experts.
• Provide opportunities for defense and appeals, ensuring procedural fairness.

In this case, after multiple hearings and no conclusive evidence of violation, the council cited lack of adequate grounds for continued suspension as the basis for reinstatement.

Impact on Future Cases

Legal experts believe this episode may lead to policy reforms aimed at:

• Clearly defining what constitutes political overreach for doctors in public life.
• Strengthening grievance redressal frameworks for patients and whistleblowers.
• Instituting third-party oversight panels in contentious disciplinary actions.

Healthcare analysts also point out that doctors entering politics or activism must walk a fine ethical line to avoid conflict of interest—particularly in publicly funded hospitals or health schemes.

Santanu Sen’s Response

Dr. Sen addressed a press conference soon after the WBMC’s announcement and stated:

“Truth has triumphed today. The allegations were baseless, and the suspension was part of a systematic effort to silence me. I thank the medical community for standing with me. I will continue to serve patients and uphold the dignity of the medical profession.”

He also announced that he would resume outpatient services at his private practice in South Kolkata from next week.

Data on Medical License Suspensions in West Bengal (Last 5 Years)

Dr. Sen’s case now becomes one of the few in recent memory where a suspension linked to political activity has been reversed.

Calls for Greater Autonomy in Medical Regulation

Following the controversy, there is growing consensus that state medical councils need:

• Autonomy from political and bureaucratic interference
• Uniform guidelines from the National Medical Commission
• Transparent grievance redressal accessible to both patients and doctors

Medical experts warn that unless councils are equipped with adequate independence and investigative infrastructure, their legitimacy will continue to be questioned.

Conclusion

The restoration of Dr. Santanu Sen’s registration has brought temporary closure to a polarizing episode that intertwined medicine, politics, and legal process. As the debate on regulatory reform continues, the case serves as a reminder that medical ethics must be upheld regardless of political identity, and disciplinary actions must be transparent, fair, and beyond reproach.

While Dr. Sen returns to his consulting room and political office, the broader questions raised by his suspension and reinstatement remain unresolved, urging reforms in how India governs its medical fraternity.

Disclaimer:

This article is based on official proceedings, statements by stakeholders, and credible inputs from medical and legal professionals. Readers are advised to verify specific details through official notifications or legal counsel. The content does not intend to malign any individual or institution and is for informational purposes only.