Bombay High Court cancels bail of Shiv Sena corporator Ramesh Mhatre in doctors assault case

The Bombay High Court on Saturday stayed the bail granted to Shiv Sena corporator Ramesh Mhatre, who was arrested for allegedly assaulting doctors at a hospital in Dombivli. The order came during a special sitting convened to hear the state government's appeal against the trial court's decision to release Mhatre on bail.

Court questions timing of release

Justice A.S. Gadkari, presiding over the special bench, expressed surprise at the sequence of events. The judge pointed out that Mhatre had been hospitalised until the moment bail was granted, but appeared fit to walk out of custody immediately after the order.

“He was hospitalised till the bail was granted. Then he became fit to leave,” the court remarked, while staying the bail order. The observation underscored the judiciary's skepticism over the sudden change in Mhatre's medical condition.

Background of the case

The case stems from an incident at a Dombivli hospital where doctors were allegedly assaulted by Mhatre and his associates. The attack had sparked widespread outrage among the medical community, with the Indian Medical Association (IMA) condemning the violence.

Mhatre was arrested shortly after the incident, but a trial court granted him bail earlier this week. The state government, represented by the prosecution, challenged this order in the High Court, arguing that the corporator could influence witnesses and tamper with evidence if released.

Medical community reacts

The Indian Medical Association has announced a protest on July 20 against the assault on doctors in Dombivli. The organisation has demanded stricter laws to protect healthcare professionals from violence.

In a statement, the IMA said the attack was part of a troubling pattern of aggression against doctors across Maharashtra. The association has called for swift legal action against all accused and for the implementation of a central protection law for medical staff.

Political ramifications

Ramesh Mhatre is a corporator from the Shiv Sena, the ruling party in Maharashtra. The case has put the spotlight on political interference in local administration, especially in matters concerning law and order.

Opposition parties have seized the opportunity to criticise the state government, alleging that it has been soft on its own members. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has demanded an independent investigation into the incident, while the Congress has called for Mhatre's immediate suspension from the party.

What happens next

The High Court is expected to hear the state's appeal against the bail order in detail in the coming days. Mhatre will remain in custody until the court delivers a final verdict on the matter.

The case is likely to be a litmus test for the Maharashtra government's commitment to curbing violence against doctors. All eyes are now on the next hearing, where the prosecution will present its arguments against the bail grant.