The Bombay High Court has granted bail to Shiv Sena corporator Ramesh Mhatre and four other accused in the high-profile doctors assault case that took place at a municipal hospital in Dombivli, Thane district. While allowing their release on bail, the court imposed strict conditions and ordered that the trial be conducted on a fast-track basis.
The order was passed on Friday by a bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Ravindra Ghuge and Justice Gautam Ankhad. The court directed the accused to stay outside Maharashtra until the chargesheet is filed in the case, emphasizing that the investigation should proceed without any interference.
The case had triggered widespread public outrage after CCTV footage allegedly showing the assault on doctors and hospital staff went viral on social media.
Court imposes strict bail conditions
While granting bail, the high court made strong observations regarding the conduct expected from elected public representatives. The bench remarked that a corporator is elected by the people to serve the public and not to intimidate or assault citizens.
The judges observed that if an elected representative attacks his own voters, it amounts to an attack on the democratic fabric of society. However, the court also noted that the investigation had progressed significantly and that the accused had already spent a considerable period in judicial custody.
Accordingly, the court allowed bail but imposed stringent restrictions. The accused have been directed not to enter Maharashtra until the filing of the chargesheet. Even after they are permitted to return, they will not be allowed to contact witnesses or attempt to influence the investigation or tamper with evidence.
Investigation and trial timeline
The Bombay High Court also laid down a clear timeline for the investigation and trial. It directed the police to complete the probe after receiving the pending reports from the State Forensic Science Laboratory within 12 working days.
The court further ordered that the chargesheet must be filed within five days of receiving the forensic reports.
After the chargesheet is submitted, the trial court has been instructed to frame charges within one week. The high court also directed both the prosecution and the defence to avoid seeking unnecessary adjournments so that the trial can proceed without delay.
These directions are aimed at ensuring a swift judicial process in a case that has drawn significant attention from the medical community and the public.
Background of the case
The incident occurred on July 7 at Shastri Nagar Municipal Hospital in Dombivli. According to the police, Ramesh Mhatre and his associates allegedly assaulted two doctors and several hospital staff members.
The assault reportedly followed a dispute over the treatment of a nine-month pregnant woman who was experiencing pregnancy-related complications. It was alleged that she could not be admitted because no beds were available in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of the civic hospital.
The alleged attack on healthcare workers sparked strong protests from doctors and medical associations across Maharashtra, with many demanding strict action against those responsible.
Earlier legal developments
The case had taken an unusual turn when a magistrate’s court initially granted bail to Mhatre. The Bombay High Court later took suo motu cognisance of the matter and stayed the bail order, expressing concern over the seriousness of the allegations.
Following the high court’s intervention, Mhatre surrendered before the police and had remained in judicial custody since then.
The latest order now allows his release, but under closely monitored conditions designed to protect the integrity of the investigation and trial.
Medical fraternity welcomes speedy trial order
The attack on doctors had raised serious concerns about the safety of healthcare professionals working in public hospitals. Medical organizations had argued that violence against doctors was becoming increasingly frequent and that strong legal action was necessary to deter such incidents.
By directing a time-bound investigation and trial, the Bombay High Court has attempted to balance the legal rights of the accused with the need for an effective and speedy judicial process.
The case is expected to remain under close public scrutiny as the investigation concludes and trial proceedings begin in the coming weeks.