A bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta on Monday expressed concern over the growing number of attacks on doctors in Maharashtra.

The remarks came while the court was hearing a plea by Shiv Sena corporator Ramesh Sukrya Mhatre, who is facing allegations of assaulting doctors and hospital staff at a civic hospital in Dombivli.

The bench observed that such incidents cannot be treated as ordinary law-and-order disputes and said the court needed to send a wider message against violence targeting medical professionals.

“They Do Not Deserve to Roam Freely”

During the hearing, the Supreme Court strongly criticised the alleged conduct of those involved in attacks on doctors.

The bench said people responsible for such incidents should not be allowed to remain free and emphasised that strict action was necessary to deter similar attacks in the future.

The court also noted that another incident involving an alleged assault on doctors and hospital staff had been reported in Palghar.

Case Against Ramesh Mhatre

The proceedings relate to an alleged July 6 assault at Shastrinagar Hospital in Dombivli, where doctors and nurses were allegedly attacked following a dispute concerning the treatment of a patient.

Mhatre was arrested in connection with the case. The Bombay High Court subsequently granted him bail with stringent conditions, including staying outside Maharashtra until the chargesheet is filed.

The Maharashtra government has now approached the Supreme Court seeking cancellation of the bail granted to Mhatre and three other accused.

Supreme Court Issues Notice

Mhatre's lawyer indicated during the latest hearing that he wanted to withdraw the petition.

However, the Supreme Court said it wanted to examine the Maharashtra government's challenge to the bail and issued notice on the state's appeal. The matter has been listed for further consideration.

Fresh Assault Reported in Palghar

The Supreme Court's concern was heightened by another alleged incident reported in Palghar.

Police have registered a case against at least 17 people, including Shiv Sena office-bearers, following allegations that doctors and hospital staff were assaulted and threatened at Relief Hospital.

The dispute reportedly began over the treatment bill of a person injured during a Dahi Handi event. According to the complaint, a receptionist was allegedly slapped and some members of the group entered the ICU. Police have registered a case under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Maharashtra law protecting medical service personnel and institutions.

Court Seeks Stronger Deterrence

The Supreme Court's latest observations underline its concern that violence against doctors could create fear among medical professionals and affect healthcare delivery.

The court has previously said that attacks on doctors inside hospitals cannot be taken lightly and questioned how anyone could justify entering a hospital and assaulting medical staff while they are on duty.

The cases remain subject to judicial proceedings, and allegations against the accused have not been established through trial.