Supreme Court has said that violence against doctors to be treated as crime (Img: Pintrest)
New Delhi: The Supreme Court while expressing concern over the increasing incidents of violence against doctors in Maharashtra by several politicians, has directed the state government to take action against the culprits immediately.
The apex court reiterated that culprits should be taken into custody and not be permitted to roam freely. These comments were made by the court while hearing a plea by Shiv Sena councillor Ramesh Mhatre challenging bail conditions in a case involving the assault of doctors at Shastrinagar Hospital in Kalyan.
The top court gave the observation a day after Shiv Sena office-bearers allegedly assaulted doctors and other hospital staff at a healthcare facility in Maharashtra’s Palghar district.
As per the complainant’s version, members of Shiv Sena had entered the emergency department and confronted doctors over the discharge of the person who had been injured during the Dahi Handi festival.
“We are going to issue a notice on the State’s appeal. This is their modus operandi. These people do not deserve to roam on the streets. Yesterday, again the same group of people have assaulted doctors and hospital staff in Palghar,” said the bench.
The court observed that people who had no respect for the medical fraternity should not be out on bail. However, it maintained that it would await a formal plea from Maharashtra government regarding cancellation of bail.
SC also issued a notice on Maharashtra Government’s appeal challenging the bail granted to Mhatre and three other accused.
A note regarding reports about the fresh assault on doctors and hospital staff in Palghar was also taken into cognisance and the court directed that matter be listed on September 16, 2026.
