The Bombay High Court on Thursday (August 06) indicated that it is inclined to grant bail to Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde) corporator Ramesh Mhatre, who is accused of assaulting three on duty doctors at a civic-run hospital in Dombivli, observing that the investigation is almost complete and he cannot be kept behind bars indefinitely.

A division bench of Acting Chief Justice Ravindra Ghuge and Justice Gautam Ankhad noted that the investigation was nearing completion and that the chargesheet was likely to be filed within 15 days.

Senior Advocate Ashok Mundargi appearing as amicus curiae, submitted that Mhatre need not be kept in custody any longer, as the investigation was almost over.

Accepting the submission, the Court however added that the bail would be subject to "strictest conditions."

The Court indicated that it will direct Mhatre to remain outside Maharashtra at least until the prosecution files the chargesheet. It also proposed directing him to report three times a week before the local police station in the State where he proposes to reside during such period.

The Court further said it will fast-track the trial and direct the State Government to appoint a Special Public Prosecutor in the case.

The development comes in the High Court's suo motu proceedings initiated after Mhatre was granted bail.

The High Court had cancelled his bail stating, "In a case where accused led four more persons and attacked 3 doctors in a corporation hospital, showing his fury against the doctors and severely beating them, we think the Magistrate has taken it lightly and has not even considered Mhatre's antecedents."

While hearing the matter on July 27, the High Court had strongly condemned Mhatre's actions, stating, "People vote you for becoming their representatives but after getting elected you break their heads with files and chairs? It's quite surprising... Is this how you behave?"

It had also directed the State to appoint a Deputy Commissioner of Police-rank officer as the Investigating Officer, after expressing dissatisfaction with the manner in which the investigation was being handled.

Case Title: Court on its own motion vs Ramesh Sukrya Mhatre (SMWP 1 of 2026)