Bombay HC stays Ramesh Mhatre’s Bail, Orders Him to Surrender

Mumbai, 19th July 2026: The Bombay High Court has stayed the bail granted to Shiv Sena corporator Ramesh Mhatre in connection with the alleged assault on three doctors at the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) Hospital. The court has directed Mhatre to surrender before the police by 5 p.m. on Sunday, July 19, warning that failure to comply could lead to proceedings for the attachment of his immovable properties.

The High Court held a special hearing on Saturday, July 18, taking suo motu (on its own) cognisance of the matter following widespread protests over the bail order. The case was heard by a division bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Ravindra Ghuge and Justice Gautam Ankhad.

The controversy arose after a Kalyan Magistrate’s Court granted bail to Mhatre and four co-accused in the doctor assault case. In protest against the bail, doctors across Maharashtra announced a statewide strike on July 20.

During the hearing, the High Court expressed surprise that the magistrate had granted bail without imposing conditions such as requiring Mhatre to regularly report to the police station or cooperate with the investigation. The court also noted that the bail order contained no restrictions to enable investigators to monitor his movements. Citing these shortcomings, the High Court stayed the bail.

The bench also made an oral observation regarding Mhatre’s health, noting that he had remained admitted to a hospital until bail was granted but recovered sufficiently to be discharged immediately after receiving bail. Acting Chief Justice Ghuge remarked that such situations are “often seen.”

While hearing the matter, the court appealed to doctors working in government and municipal hospitals to reconsider their planned strike on July 20, urging them to keep in mind the larger public interest and their duty toward patients.

The case stems from the alleged assault on three doctors at the KDMC Hospital. The incident had triggered strong condemnation from the medical community, with doctors demanding strict legal action against the accused and greater protection for healthcare professionals. The matter continues to be under judicial scrutiny.