According to them, such recognition encroached upon the exclusive domain of registered medical practitioners under the National Medical Commission Act, 2019. A central plank of the challenge was the provision permitting physiotherapists and occupational therapists to use the prefix “Dr". Court further held that Section 40 of the Kerala State Medical Practitioners Act, which penalises unauthorised use of medical titles, cannot be interpreted as statutorily entitling medical practitioners alone to use the prefix “Dr". It noted that allied healthcare professionals undergo extensive statutory training and that their services, though distinct from those of medical practitioners, are integral to modern healthcare delivery. Case Title: Indian Medical Association, Kerala State Branch and Others vs. UOI and Others with connected mattersOrder Date: January 22, 2026Bench: Justice VG Arun