The Supreme Court has directed the Maharashtra government to take prompt action against political leaders accused of assaulting doctors, saying people involved in such attacks should not be allowed to move around freely. The court’s remarks came during proceedings connected with an assault at Shastrinagar Hospital in Kalyan.
The matter involved a petition by Shiv Sena councillor Ramesh Mhatre challenging bail conditions in the case. His lawyer, Mukul Rohatgi, withdrew the petition during the hearing. The Maharashtra government told the court that it had sought cancellation of Mhatre’s bail.
The court issued notice and listed the matter for 28 September. It also made clear that violence against medical professionals inside hospitals would not be treated lightly.
What happened at the hospital
The case relates to an incident at Relief Hospital in Palghar district. According to the complaint, an argument broke out in the emergency department over the discharge of a person who had been injured during a Dahi Handi celebration.
Police registered a case against at least 17 people, including members of the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena faction. The complaint named Shiv Sena district chief Kundan Sankhe, city chief Rahul Gharat and others in connection with the confrontation.
The complaint said the group entered the emergency department and argued with doctors about the patient’s discharge. The dispute then escalated inside the hospital.
Allegations involving hospital staff
CCTV footage referred to in the case allegedly captured one of the accused slapping a receptionist when the receptionist and a woman employee tried to intervene. The woman employee was also allegedly threatened.
The case has brought the safety of doctors and other medical staff inside hospitals before the Supreme Court. The court’s observation focused on the need for people accused of assaulting medical professionals to face immediate custody action rather than being allowed to remain at large.
The proceedings arose from a challenge to bail conditions, while the Maharashtra government has sought cancellation of bail. The court’s notice and the next listing will determine the next stage of the matter.
Why the case is before the Supreme Court
The petition was filed by Ramesh Mhatre in connection with the Kalyan hospital assault case. During the hearing, the court questioned the alleged attack on doctors and stressed that assaults involving medical professionals require serious treatment.
The proceedings do not conclude the criminal case. They concern the bail-related challenge and the state government’s request for cancellation of bail. The allegations against the accused remain part of the case before the authorities and the court.
Conclusion
The Supreme Court’s intervention places the focus on swift custody action against political leaders accused of attacking doctors, while the Maharashtra government’s bail-cancellation request and the wider case remain before the court.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What did the Supreme Court say about attacks on doctors?
The court said people accused of assaulting doctors should be taken into custody and should not be allowed to remain at large.
Q. Which state government received the direction?
The direction was given to the Maharashtra government.
Q. Which case led to the Supreme Court’s remarks?
The remarks came during proceedings connected with an attack at Shastrinagar Hospital in Kalyan.
Q. Who filed the bail-related petition?
Shiv Sena councillor Ramesh Mhatre filed the petition challenging bail conditions. His lawyer, Mukul Rohatgi, later withdrew it.
Q. How many people were named in the police case?
Palghar police registered a case against at least 17 people, including members of the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena faction.
Q. When is the matter listed next?
The matter has been listed for 28 September.
