Supreme Court cancels bail for Shiv Sena corporator accused of attacking doctors

The Supreme Court on Monday delivered a strong rebuke to violence against medical professionals, cancelling bail granted to Shiv Sena corporator Ramesh Mhatre by the Bombay High Court. A bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta admitted the Maharashtra government's appeal challenging the bail order and announced its intent to hear arguments on the matter.

Mhatre faces charges of assaulting doctors at a municipal hospital in Thane district. The court emphasised the gravity of such incidents, noting that a similar case involving members of the same political party had recently occurred. "The message should go out loud and clear that the medical fraternity cannot be touched. They serve people and cannot be attacked in this manner," the bench stated while directing Mhatre to surrender within three days.

Defending Mhatre's position, senior advocate Siddharth Dave argued that the trial has already commenced with two witnesses examined and the complainant—a woman doctor—scheduled for examination on October 3. He contended that there has been no obstruction in the judicial process. However, the court noted that Mhatre's involvement in 19 criminal cases raised serious concerns about his conduct and background.

The judgment underscores growing judicial concern over attacks on healthcare workers across the country and signals the court's determination to protect medical professionals from violence and intimidation.