Cancer Treatment Claims; Navjot Sidhu’s wife faces ₹850 crore claim

CHHATTISGARH, INDIA: Navjot Kaur Sidhu, wife of Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu, has been served an ₹850 crore legal notice by the Chhattisgarh Civil Society (CCS) over her husband’s controversial statements about her Stage 4 cancer recovery. Sidhu had claimed at a November 21 press conference that her recovery was largely due to a special diet and natural remedies, alongside conventional treatments.
The claims
Sidhu detailed his wife’s dietary adjustments, including the elimination of sugar, dairy, and processed foods, and incorporating items like turmeric, neem, apple cider vinegar, and beetroot juice. He emphasized that these changes, in conjunction with medical treatments like chemotherapy and surgery, contributed to her recovery. He also shared his views on cancer's relationship with sugar and inflammation, asserting that dietary changes starve cancer cells.
The controversy
The CCS, represented by Dr. Kuldeep Solanki, labeled these claims as misleading and dangerous, asserting they could undermine public trust in evidence-based allopathic medicine. They demanded substantiating evidence or a retraction within seven days, warning of legal action otherwise. Medical professionals, including 262 oncologists from the Tata Memorial Hospital, criticized Sidhu's remarks for lacking scientific backing and potentially leading cancer patients to abandon life-saving treatments.
Sidhu’s response
In the wake of the backlash, Sidhu clarified on social media that medical professionals were central to his wife’s treatment journey and that the diet was only a supportive measure. Despite this, the controversy has sparked significant debate on misinformation in healthcare, with experts urging patients to rely on medically validated treatments.
This incident highlights the fine line between personal anecdotes and public health messaging, especially when addressing critical diseases like cancer​.