The Bombay High Court has cancelled the bail granted to Ramesh Mhatre, a corporator from the Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction), along with four other accused in a case concerning the assault on medical professionals at Dombivli’s Shastri Nagar Hospital. The court has mandated that Mhatre present himself to the police by 5 pm on July 19, 2026. A subsequent hearing is scheduled for July 22, 2026.

Judicial Review of Bail Grant

On the morning of Saturday, July 18, the High Court took suomotu notice of the bail that had earlier been extended to Mhatre and the other individuals involved. A bench consisting of Acting Chief Justice Ravindra Ghuge and Justice Gautam Ankhad convened at 3 pm to review the circumstances surrounding the grant of bail. The judges concluded that the lower Magistrate Court had overlooked important considerations in respect to Mhatre’s prior criminal record.

The High Court highlighted that Mhatre had been implicated in 18 criminal cases, which include severe charges such as murder and attempted murder. Despite his acquittal in 17 of these allegations, the bench emphasised that the earlier court should have taken into account his extensive history with serious offences when deciding on the bail application.

In light of these considerations, the High Court deemed it necessary to nullify the bail that had been extended. The judges expressed their concerns regarding the implications of the earlier decision on the legal framework in relation to similar cases in the future.

Impact on Medical Community

The court also acknowledged the response from the medical community in Maharashtra, particularly doctors employed in government and civic hospitals. A significant decision has been made for medical staff to go on strike on July 22, 2026, as a form of protest against the assault that occurred. This potential action has raised concerns regarding the welfare of patients who may be affected by the absence of healthcare services during the strike.

In cancelling the bail, the bench made a plea to the medical professionals, suggesting that they reconsider their intended strike while keeping in mind the humanitarian aspect of their roles. The judges underscored the importance of maintaining medical services for patients, particularly in light of the current situation.

The court further instructed the authorities to prepare for necessary legal actions should Mhatre fail to comply with the order to surrender. It stated that if he does not turn himself in, or is otherwise unreachable, appropriate measures may be initiated to attach his immovable property as part of the legal follow-up.

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