Supreme Court Issues Notice to Shiv Sena Corporator in Thane Doctor Assault Case

The Supreme Court on Monday sought a response from Shiv Sena corporator Ramesh Mhatre on a plea by the Maharashtra government challenging his bail in connection with the assault on doctors at a Thane hospital in July. The bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta issued notice to Mhatre, giving him three weeks to reply.

The court made strong observations while hearing the matter, stating that such individuals do not deserve to be on the streets. The bench also referred to a similar incident in Palghar, expressing concern over repeated attacks on doctors and emphasizing the need for a deterrent message to society.

The case stems from an incident on July 6 at Shastri Nagar Hospital, where Mhatre and others allegedly assaulted doctors after an argument over the treatment of a pregnant woman. A trial court granted bail to Mhatre on July 14, but the Bombay High Court stayed it on July 18, calling the order "perverse" and directing him to surrender.

On August 7, the High Court granted bail to Mhatre and three other accused, imposing strict conditions, including a requirement to stay outside Maharashtra until the chargesheet is filed. Mhatre had challenged these conditions in the Supreme Court but later withdrew his appeal.

The Supreme Court had earlier upheld the High Court's suo motu action and its stance that those attacking doctors do not deserve bail. The next hearing is scheduled for September 28.