Stories
SC Cancels Bail of Shiv Sena Corporator for Doctor Assault, Cites Threat to Medical Judgment
- •The Supreme Court cancelled the bail of Shiv Sena corporator Ramesh Mhatre and three others, accused of assaulting doctors at a municipal hospital in Thane district.
- •The Court stated that doctors cannot exercise sound judgment under threat of physical violence, intimidation, or coercion, emphasizing the importance of their safety and dignity for public interest.
- •The accused, including Mhatre, are directed to surrender by October 5; Mhatre faces 18 prior cases, including serious offenses.
- •The SC criticized Mhatre's avoidance of prison confinement by staying in a hospital ward, raising concerns about the misuse of influence.
- •The Court highlighted that the incident caused doctors to resign and ordered the Maharashtra government to consider preventive detention laws against Mhatre and his associates to restore confidence in the medical fraternity.
Key Questions Answered
The Supreme Court cancelled the bail of Shiv Sena corporator Ramesh Mhatre and three others for allegedly assaulting and verbally abusing on-duty doctors at the Shastri Nagar Municipal Hospital in Dombivli. The bench emphasized that medical professionals cannot be expected to exercise sound judgment under the threat of physical violence, intimidation, or coercion, and noted the lower courts failed to consider Mhatre's extensive criminal history.
The Supreme Court directed Ramesh Mhatre and his three associates—Ramesh Laxman Pawar, Pramod alias Prakash Uddhav Nikam, and Akshay Sharad Karande—to surrender before the trial court by October 5.
The Supreme Court directed that the trial court must ensure all material witnesses receive adequate protection throughout the proceedings under the Maharashtra Witness Protection and Security Act, 2017. Furthermore, the trial court must remain vigilant against any threats and direct the district administration or superintendent of police to extend protective measures as necessary.
