Bombay HC grants bail to Ramesh Mhatre

The India — Bombay High Court granted bail to India — Shiv Sena (UBT) corporator Ramesh Mhatre and four co-accused in the July 6 assault on doctors at Shastri Nagar Hospital in Dombivli, Thane district. The court imposed strict conditions, including that the accused remain outside India — Maharashtra until the chargesheet is filed, and ordered a fast-tracked trial with a strict timeline for investigation and prosecution. The bench, comprising Acting Chief Justice Ravindra Ghuge and Justice Gautam Ankhad, noted that an elected corporator assaulting voters is an 'assault on the fabric of democracy.' The court directed the India — Maharashtra government to appoint a special public prosecutor within ten days and mandated that the police file a chargesheet within five days after receiving forensic reports. The trial court is to frame charges within one week of the chargesheet, and a fast-track court judge is to be appointed. The court also directed the India — Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation to ensure police protection for the assaulted doctors, who had resigned out of fear. The Indian Medical Association, which had called a strike, withdrew it after the court's suo motu intervention. The incident had triggered widespread outrage and highlighted concerns over safety of healthcare workers.