New Delhi
The Supreme Court has expressed concern over an increase in incidents in Maharashtra where political figures allegedly assault doctors. The court directed the state government to immediately arrest politicians involved in such attacks and said they should not be allowed to move around freely.
The observations came while hearing a matter linked to an incident at a municipal hospital in Thane district. In July, a group led by Shiv Sena councillor Ramesh Madre allegedly attacked hospital staff, including a woman doctor, after claiming that treatment for a pregnant woman was delayed.
In the case, a trial court initially granted bail to Madre. Taking suo motu cognisance, the Bombay High Court later stayed the bail and ordered him to surrender. Madre then approached the Supreme Court challenging the High Court’s bail conditions.
A bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta said attacks inside hospitals, carried out by leveraging political influence and position, cannot be treated lightly. The judges also pointed to the fear and mental trauma faced by doctors during mob assaults. Subsequently, Madre’s side withdrew the petition.
Meanwhile, the Maharashtra government said it would move to cancel Madre’s bail entirely. The Supreme Court issued notice in the matter and posted the next hearing for September 28.
