Bombay HC Raps Shiv Sena Corporator in Doctor Assault Case

• Bombay High Court declines immediate bail to Shiv Sena corporator Ramesh Mhatre.
• Court says elected representatives cannot assault citizens after seeking votes.
• DCP directed to take over investigation and ensure witness protection.
• Bench criticises police handling of the case and questions leniency plea.

GG News Bureau
Mumbai, 28th July: The Bombay High Court on Monday refused to grant immediate bail to Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) corporator Ramesh Mhatre, accused of assaulting doctors and hospital staff at a municipal hospital in Dombivli, observing that an elected representative cannot attack citizens after seeking their votes.

Hearing the matter, a Bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Ravindra Ghuge and Justice Gautam Ankhad directed that the investigation be handed over to the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) of the concerned zone.

“The DCP shall take over the probe as expeditiously as possible and ensure that all appropriate steps are taken to record statements of the complainant, victims and witnesses by granting them adequate protection,” the court said, directing the officer to submit a progress report on July 31.

The Bench expressed dissatisfaction with the initial police investigation, observing that no meaningful probe had been conducted after the alleged assault and remarking that the police had shown a “rare respect” to the accused by seeking permission to produce him through video conferencing during remand proceedings.

Referring to the viral video of the incident, the court said Mhatre “did not waste even half a second” before repeatedly assaulting the doctor. It also rejected the defence’s plea for leniency based on Mhatre’s age, observing that the 73-year-old appeared physically active in the footage and was “almost jumping over the table” during the attack.

The court further noted that although Mhatre claimed health issues after being remanded to judicial custody and was admitted to hospital with high blood pressure, he appeared fit during the alleged assault. It also observed that he walked out of the hospital immediately after securing bail and was welcomed by supporters.

Mhatre and his associates allegedly attacked doctors and medical staff at a civic hospital in Dombivli on July 6, following allegations by a pregnant patient’s relatives of delay in treatment.

A magistrate’s court had granted him bail on July 15, but the Bombay High Court later took suo motu cognisance of the matter, termed the bail order “perverse” and stayed it, leading to Mhatre’s surrender. He is currently in judicial custody.

During Monday’s hearing, senior advocate Aabad Ponda, appearing for Mhatre, urged the High Court to vacate the stay on bail and offered stringent conditions, including Mhatre remaining outside Maharashtra until the charge sheet is filed.

The High Court, however, noted that the complainant doctor continued to receive threats and indicated that statements of victims and witnesses should be recorded promptly before considering the bail plea. The Bench also said it would hear submissions from the Indian Medical Association (IMA) before passing further orders.