Bombay High Court Grants Bail to Ramesh Mhatre in Doctors Assault Case With Strict Conditions

The Bombay High Court on Friday (7 August) granted bail to Shiv Sena corporator Ramesh Sukrya Mhatre in the case relating to the alleged assault on doctors and hospital staff at a municipal hospital in Dombivli. While allowing his release from judicial custody, the Court imposed strict conditions, including directing him to remain outside Maharashtra until the police file the chargesheet.

A Division Bench of Acting Chief Justice Ravindra V. Ghuge and Justice Gautam Ankhad passed the order in the suo motu proceedings initiated by the High Court after previously staying the bail granted by a sessions court.

Background of the Case

The case stems from an incident at the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation's Shastri Nagar Hospital on July 6, 2026, where Mhatre and others are accused of assaulting doctors and hospital staff during working hours. After a sessions court granted him bail, the High Court took suo motu cognisance, stayed the bail order, and directed him to surrender. The Court also transferred the investigation to a senior police officer after expressing concern over the probe.

During the latest hearing, senior counsel appearing for Mhatre informed the Bench that his client was willing to comply with any condition imposed by the Court and would reside in Goa until further orders.

Court's Observations

While dictating the order, the Bench stressed the responsibilities attached to public office.

"The rule of democracy is that elected representatives are by the people and for the people. If an elected representative is accused of assaulting his own voters, such a situation is bound to dent the fabric of democracy," the Bench observed.

The Court noted that the investigation was nearing completion and considered the period already spent by the accused in judicial custody before deciding to lift the earlier stay on bail.

Court's Directions

The High Court directed that Mhatre and the co-accused must not contact the complainants, witnesses, or anyone connected with the case. They have been ordered to stay outside Maharashtra until the chargesheet is filed and cooperate fully with the investigation and trial.

The Bench also ordered that the matter be assigned to a fast-track court, directed the forensic laboratory to submit its reports within a fixed timeline, and instructed the State to appoint an experienced Special Public Prosecutor for the case.

It further fixed timelines for filing the chargesheet and framing charges to ensure an expeditious trial.