Bombay High Court Grants Conditional Release to Shiv Sena’s Ramesh Mhatre
The Bombay High Court, on Friday, ordered the release of Shiv Sena corporator Ramesh Mhatre from judicial custody under strict conditions related to his alleged involvement in an assault on medical professionals at a Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation hospital. This decision arose from the case titled High Court on its own motion v. Ramesh Mhatre & Ors.
Conditions Imposed on Mhatre’s Release
The Division Bench, comprising Acting Chief Justice Ravindra V. Ghuge and Justice Gautam Ankhad, lifted a previous stay on Mhatre’s bail. Nonetheless, the court mandated that Mhatre must remain outside Maharashtra until the police file a chargesheet in the matter. Moreover, the court directed that the trial be expedited by assigning it to a fast-track court, establishing a timeline for the state to advance with the criminal proceedings.
Judicial Remarks on Democratic Principles
The Bench highlighted the seriousness of allegations against elected officials, emphasizing the foundational democratic principle that representatives serve the people. The court remarked that accusations of an elected official assaulting constituents could undermine democratic integrity.
Background and Legal Proceedings
Mhatre was detained last month following allegations of assaulting doctors and staff at Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation’s Shastri Nagar Hospital in Dombivli on July 6, 2026. Although a sessions court granted him bail on July 14, the Bombay High Court intervened suo motu and stayed the bail order during a special hearing on July 18. Following this, Mhatre surrendered and was held in judicial custody. Additionally, the High Court transferred the investigation to a senior police officer.
Commitments from Mhatre’s Legal Representation
Senior Advocate Aabad Ponda, representing Mhatre, assured the court of his client’s compliance with the stipulated conditions to ensure a fair trial. Mhatre has agreed to reside in Goa until the trial initiates and will report weekly to the Anjuna police station.
More Read
Further Court Directives
The court, upon considering the duration Mhatre spent in custody, ordered his release but imposed conditions prohibiting contact with the victim and related parties. Mhatre is permitted to return to Maharashtra only after the chargesheet is filed.
Furthermore, the court instructed that any breach of these conditions should be promptly reported for possible bail cancellation. The court also mandated its registry to appoint a judge for the fast-track court within seven days, directed the state forensic laboratory to deliver reports within 15 working days, and required the chargesheet to be filed within 10 days followed by the framing of charges within five working days.
The Bench also specified that the state must appoint an experienced special public prosecutor, who can only be replaced with the court’s approval.
