Archive · 8 Sep 2026
Supreme Court Flags Maharashtra Doctor Attacks, Reviews Mhatre Bail
The Supreme Court discussed alleged attacks on doctors and hospital workers in Maharashtra.
The discussion happened during a case involving Shiv Sena corporator Ramesh Sukrya Mhatre.
Mhatre was arrested over an alleged assault at Shastri Nagar Hospital in Dombivli on July 6.
His petition said he went to the hospital after the family of a pregnant woman asked for help.
The court also discussed a separate alleged attack at a hospital in Palghar.
Mhatre’s lawyer said the people in the two incidents were not the same.
The court said it was referring to a similar political ideology, not necessarily the same individuals.
The court said strong action was needed to discourage attacks on medical workers.
Mhatre withdrew his challenge to certain bail conditions, but the court will still consider Maharashtra’s challenge to his bail.
The Supreme Court expressed serious concern over repeated alleged attacks on doctors and hospital staff in Maharashtra.
The remarks came during a hearing involving Shiv Sena corporator Ramesh Sukrya Mhatre’s alleged assault case at Shastri Nagar Hospital in Dombivli.
The bench also referred to a separate Palghar incident involving alleged threats and assaults by Shiv Sena workers.
Mhatre’s counsel Mukul Rohatgi disputed that the same group was involved, while the court clarified it meant a similar political ideology.
Mhatre withdrew his challenge to bail conditions, while the court issued notice on Maharashtra’s separate challenge to his bail and listed the matter for September 28.
- Who
- The Supreme Court, Maharashtra, Shiv Sena corporator Ramesh Sukrya Mhatre, his counsel Mukul Rohatgi, and people identified in reports as Shiv Sena workers.
- What
- The Supreme Court expressed concern over alleged attacks on medical staff, allowed Mhatre to withdraw his challenge to bail conditions, and issued notice on Maharashtra’s challenge to his bail.
- When
- The hearing took place on September 7, 2026; the Dombivli incident allegedly occurred on July 6, and the next hearing is scheduled for September 28.
- Where
- The cases involve Shastri Nagar Hospital in Dombivli and a separate private hospital in Palghar, Maharashtra; Mhatre’s bail conditions required him to reside in Calangute, Goa.
- Why
- The court said repeated attacks on medical professionals required a strong deterrent and raised concerns about law and public order.
Court and State Concerns
Mhatre’s Defence
Need for strong action
Court and State Concerns
The Supreme Court said repeated alleged attacks on doctors raised serious law-and-order concerns and required a strong deterrent.
Mhatre’s Defence
Mhatre’s counsel objected to aspects of the High Court’s stringent directions, arguing that measures such as an accelerated investigation and trial could prejudge the case.
Connection between incidents
Court and State Concerns
The court referred to the Dombivli and Palghar incidents as involving people connected by what it described as the same political ideology.
Mhatre’s Defence
Mukul Rohatgi said he had checked the matter and that the people involved in the two incidents were not the same group.
Circumstances of the Dombivli incident
Court and State Concerns
The case concerns an alleged assault on doctors and hospital staff, and Maharashtra is challenging the High Court’s decision to grant Mhatre bail.
Mhatre’s Defence
Mhatre’s petition said he went to the hospital after repeated calls from the family of a nine-month pregnant woman who had allegedly been made to wait for several hours, after which an altercation occurred.
- Court
- Supreme Court of India
- Main case
- An alleged July 6 assault on doctors and hospital staff at Shastri Nagar Hospital in Dombivli
- Main accused
- Shiv Sena corporator Ramesh Sukrya Mhatre
- Separate incident
- A Palghar hospital incident involving alleged threats and assaults on doctors and staff by Shiv Sena workers
- High Court bail conditions
- Mhatre was ordered to reside in Calangute, Goa, report to Anjuna Police Station three times weekly, and remain outside Maharashtra until trial began
- Supreme Court action
- The court allowed withdrawal of Mhatre’s challenge to the bail conditions and issued notice on Maharashtra’s challenge to his bail
- Next hearing
- September 28, 2026
Sources
Supreme Court Flags ‘Same Ideology’ In Maharashtra Doctor Attacks, To Hear State’s Plea Against Shiv Sena Corporator Ramesh Mhatre’s Bail