The Bombay High Court fast-tracked the trial and granted bail to Shiv Sena corporator Ramesh Mhatre and three others

MUMBAI: The Bombay high court on Friday fast-tracked the trial and granted bail to Shiv Sena corporator Ramesh Mhatre and three others accused in the July 6 assault on doctors, including a woman doctor, at a municipal hospital in Dombivli. However, all four have been directed to remain outside Maharashtra until the criminal trial begins.A bench of Acting Chief Justice Ravindra Ghuge and Justice Gautam Ankhad imposed the stringent condition after Mhatre’s senior counsel, Aabad Ponda, submitted that the 73-year-old corporator, who had “learnt a lesson”, was willing to reside in any other state until the chargesheet was filed. The HC also laid down a strict timeline for the investigation and prosecution, meaning the period the accused spend outside Maharashtra is likely to last a little over three weeks.Dictating the order in open court, ACJ Ghuge observed, “In a democracy, an elected representative is by the people and for the people. If he is accused of assaulting his own voters, such an incident is bound to bend the fabric of democracy.”Police arrested Mhatre on July 8 for allegedly slapping and punching a doctor and assaulting a resident medical officer. A local court granted him bail on July 14 while he was admitted to hospital. He was released, but on July 18 the high court took suo motu cognisance of the matter, stayed the bail order for all four accused and directed Mhatre to surrender. He surrendered on July 19.The four accused were lodged in Kalyan jail. During Friday’s hearing, all four informed the court that they would stay in Goa. Mhatre furnished the address of a resort in North Goa, while the other three, represented by advocate Sana Raees Khan, said they would stay at a nearby guest house. ACJ Ghuge remarked in jest, “Mhatre will have company.”In its July 18 order, the HC had observed: “…in the labour ward of Shastri Nagar Hospital, Dombivli, a lady doctor and two male doctors were physically and brutally assaulted by persons, namely, Ramesh Mhatre, Ramesh Pawar, Pramod alias Prakash Nikam and Akshay Karande… There has been an uproar from the masses… over the beating of doctors on duty.” The court had also noted that the offence was “more grave because a lady doctor was also assaulted and it is reported that she has resigned out of fear.“Senior counsel S.U. Kamdar, appearing for the Indian Medical Association (IMA), which had initially called a strike before withdrawing it after the HC’s suo motu intervention during a special Saturday hearing, sought police protection for the woman doctor and the first informant doctor. The court was informed that both had submitted their resignations, although the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) had not accepted them. The HC directed the civic body to ensure their protection.Public Prosecutor Shishir Hirey, appearing via video conferencing, and Additional Public Prosecutor K.V. Saste informed the court that the chargesheet would be filed shortly, but statements of three witnesses still had to be recorded before a magistrate.The HC laid down a timeline for the prosecution. It directed that the accused’s voice and video samples be sent to the state forensic laboratory within three working days. The forensic report is to be submitted within about 10 days, after which the chargesheet must be filed within the next five days.The court also directed the state to appoint an experienced lawyer as Special Public Prosecutor, describing the case as “very important”. It specifically ordered that the SPP should not be replaced midway through the trial, as had happened in some other cases.The HC further directed that charges—the final pre-trial stage—be framed within seven days of the filing of the chargesheet, after which the trial will commence.Senior counsel Ashok Mundargi had urged the court to expedite the trial to reassure citizens that the justice system functions effectively, particularly in high-profile cases. Accepting the submission, the HC directed its registry to appoint, within a week, a judge from the Kalyan courts to preside over the matter as a fast-track court.Bail conditions:

Police arrested Mhatre on July 8 for allegedly slapping and punching a doctor and assaulting a resident medical officer.

MUMBAI: The Bombay high court on Friday fast tracked their trial and granted bail to Shiv Sena corporator Ramesh Mhatre and three others accused behind bars in the July 6 assault on doctors including a woman doctor at a municipal hospital in Dombivli, but all four are to remain outside Maharashtra till the criminal trial begins.The HC Acting Chief Justice Ravindra Ghuge and Justice Gautam Ankhad imposed the stringent condition after Mhatre’s senior counsel Aabad Ponda submitted that for his release, Mhatre, 73 years old who “learnt a lesson’’ offered to even reside in any other State till the filing of Chargesheet. The HC framed a time-line for probe and prosecution to proceed swiftly and the time to be spent outside Maharashtra for all four would likely be over three weeks.The ACJ Ghuge dictating the order in open court said, “In a democracy an elected representative is by the people and for the people. If he is accused of assaulting his own voters, such an incident is bound to bend the fabric of democracy.’’Police arrested Mhatre on July 8 for allegedly slapping and punching a doctor and assaulting a resident medical officer. A local court granted him bail on July 14, while he was in a hospital. He was released but on July 18 the HC took up the matter suo motu and stayed the bail order for all four, directing Mhatre to surrender. He surrendered on July 19. All four were housed in a Kalyan jail and now all four said they would reside in Goa. Mhatre gave the address of a north Goa resort while the three others represented by advocate Sana Raees Khan would be at a guesthouse, not far. The ACJ joked saying, “Mhatre will have company.’’The HC had in its July 18 order said, …in the labour ward of Shastri Nagar Hospital, Dombivli, a lady doctor and two male doctors were physically brutally assaulted by persons, namely, Ramesh Mhatre, Ramesh Pawar, Pramod alias Prakash Nikam and Akshay Karande… There has been an uproar from the masses… to the beating of doctors on duty.’’ And had said the crime was “more grave because a lady doctor was also assaulted and it is reported that she has resigned out of fear.’’Senior counsel SU Kamdar for Indian Medical Association (IMA) which had given a strike call and withdrawn it after the HC suo motu took up the matter on a special Saturday hearing, said the lady doctor as well as the first informant doctor, be given police protection. Both tendered their resignations which the KDMC hadn’t accepted. The HC was informed and HC asked the corporation to ensure they are protected.Public prosecutor Shishir Hirey on video conferencing and Additional PP said Chargesheet would be filed soon but three witness statements were yet to be recorded before a Magistrate and would be done soon.The HC set out a timeline for the criminal prosecution. It directed that the voice and video samples be sent to the State forensic lab in 3 working days. The report is to then be submitted in about 10 days, post which in 5 days the chargesheet is to be filed.The HC directed the State to appoint a lawyer with large experience as special public prosecutor as the case was “very important’’ and specifically directed that such SPP should not be replaced mid-trial as was noticed in some cases.The HC directed framing of charge –the last pre-trial step—in 7 days after chargesheet is filed. That’s when the trial would commence.Senior counsel Ashok Mundargi had submitted that the trial be expedited to ensure that common citizens are assured that the system works, especially in high profile cases. The HC thus directed its registry to appoint in a week , a Judge from Kalyan courts to preside over as a fast track court in the case.Bail conditions imposed:

Police said the threat clip was posted on social media in the name of a person claiming to be gangster Zeeshan Akhtar, and that the NCP leader did not receive any threat directly.

MUMBAI: Bandra police registered a non-cognisable (NC) offence on Friday against a person after the sister of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Zeeshan Siddique complained that she came across a threat audio clip on a social media platform.Police said the threat clip was posted on social media in the name of a person claiming to be gangster Zeeshan Akhtar, and that the NCP leader did not receive any threat directly.Police said they were verifying the authenticity of the viral audio clip. In the clip, a man purportedly introduced himself as gangster Zeeshan Akhtar and told Siddique he should tighten his security.“As you know, I have killed your father, and now it’s your turn. Beef up your security as I have issued your death warrant. I have found your involvement in Sushant Singh Rajput’s case,” the clip purportedly stated.A Bandra police officer confirmed on Friday that an NC was registered on a complaint received from Siddique’s sister Arhsia. “The NCP leader did not receive any threat directly. The threat was noticed on social media platform by his sister. The team is analysing the aauthencity of the clip and also details have been sought to track the internet protocol (IP) address from where it was uploaded,” the officer said.The threat clip was noticed on August 6, almost 10 months after former Maharashtra minister and NCP leader Baba Siddique (66) was shot dead on October 12-2024 by three assailants in Bandra (east) outside the office of his son Zeeshan. During the investigation, the Mumbai Crime Branch arrested 27 people and filed the charge sheet in the case.The prime accused was Anmol Bishnoi, brother of jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, who is wanted in a charge sheet. According to the police, Anmol allegedly hatched a conspiracy to murder Siddique, who had a close association with actor Salman Khan, to show dominance.A special court on February 10-2026 framed charges against 27 accused in the 2024 murder case of Baba Siddique under provisions of the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA), Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Bombay Police Act and the Arms Act.Zeeshan and his sister did not respond to TOI’s calls and messages.

Bombay Times Life.Styled Club celebrated Friendship Day with an invigorating aqua fitness event. Led by coach Khyati Kanjani, fitness enthusiasts dove into a dynamic pool session featuring strength-building, endurance, and mobility exercises paired with engaging games. Influencers Marita Monteiro and Kajal Kothari highlighted their rewarding experiences, making this event a lighthearted yet effective way to stay fit, steering clear of the usual workout routines.

Bombay Times Life.Styled Club gave Friendship Day (August 1) a refreshing twist by bringing together fitness enthusiasts for a unique aqua fitness session. The event was packed with movement, laughter and energy as attendees took to the pool for a session led by fitness and longevity coach Khyati Kanjani. Combining strength, endurance and mobility, the workout offered a refreshing alternative to conventional fitness routines, while interactive games and team challenges added a fun, competitive element.‘It’s so much fun that you almost forget you were exercising’Among those enjoying the session was Marita Monteiro, a lifestyle influencer, who saw the event as an opportunity to get back on track with her fitness goals. She said, “I’ve been looking to revamp my lifestyle and get back into fitness. This felt like the perfect push to restart.” Kajal Kothari, an influencer, added, “This was my first session and I absolutely loved it. While you’re in the water, the workout doesn’t feel as strenuous as a regular gym session, but once you step out, your body definitely realises it has worked hard. The games, especially the noodle workout and relay challenges, made it so much fun that you almost forget you were exercising.”

Train without strainExplaining why aqua fitness has been gaining popularity, Khyati said, “The exercises are similar to what you would do on land, but the water significantly reduces the impact on your joints. It makes the workout sustainable in the long run because there’s a much lower risk of injury compared to exercises like squats, lunges or jumps. At the same time, the resistance of water means you’re still getting an effective full-body workout. Beyond the fitness benefits, it’s simply more enjoyable.”This was such a refreshing way to spend a morning. Celebrating Friendship Day like this made it even more special. It never felt like a workout because everyone was having so much fun. We’d definitely do it again– Pari Jain and Hrishita Jain attended the session togetherI’m scared of water and have never been comfortable swimming. My sister encouraged me to come here and face that fear. I enjoyed all forms of workout throughout the session– Roopali Rasam, IT professional

Fitness partner: The Fit Corporate; Location partner: Grand Hyatt Mumbai Hotel & Residences

The Bombay High Court intervened in a doctors’ strike, prioritizing patient welfare (File Photo).

MUMBAI: The Bombay high court on Thursday read about the doctors’ strike in the morning newspapers and decided to strike a blow for patients’ rights, taking up the cause on its own at 11 am. It prevailed on the Indian Medical Association (IMA) by 1 pm to call off its strike by lunch break.“We are recording the statement made on behalf of the IMA and the MARD that the IMA has called off the strike immediately and the MARD would not be resorting to the strike. We appreciate the maturity shown by these two organisations,” acting Chief Justice R V Ghuge and Justice Gautam Ankhad recorded in their order.The high court directed that the state would ensure its August 3 decision is followed in “letter and spirit’’ to ensure framing of an SOP after proper discussion among stakeholders, including the allopaths.The acting chief justice had initiated a suo motu public interest litigation (PIL) citing concern for the thousands of patients who would be adversely impacted by the IMA’s statewide 24-hour strike called by allopaths for Thursday.The IMA strike was to protest against the state government’s proposal to grant Maharashtra Medical Council (MMC) registration to homeopath practitioners who complete a brief pharmacology course. The other call the high court said was by MARD, where around 12,000 doctors were set to boycott emergency services as well as OPD services from August 6.Advocate General Milind Sathe cited earlier rulings and said, “Strike of doctors is not justified under any circumstances.’’Senior counsel S U Kamdar for the IMA canvassed a host of reasons for the strike, but the high court said “the issues are not to justify a strike’’. Kamdar said despite its August 3 govt resolution to set up a panel to frame standard operating procedures (SOP), the state was proceeding with plans to register homeopaths. He pointed to a pending 2014 challenge to the policy on allowing homeopaths to practice allopathy and said even before the matter is decided finally, the state was moving ahead.Sathe said a valid law exists in the state and the high court has not stayed it. The hearing ought to be expedited, said Kamdar. The acting chief justice noted the 2014 challenge is scheduled for hearing next on August 13-14 for state’s submissions.“The government ought not to register the homeopaths yet … ,’’ Kamdar said., “Doctors have no pleasure in going on strike.’’He said the homeopaths were saying “register us immediately” as the Maharashtra University of Health Sciences (MUHS) created a brief course for such practice while everyone else has to appear for a gruelling NEET.Calling for patience on part of the IMA, the high court said, “If 50 patients die and you (doctors on strike) eventually succeed, are you going to bring them back?’’Kamdar said “not treating” leads to no liability, negligence does. The high court said, “If you are going to be confrontational, we will direct that no work no pay… .’’“Not one patient should die in municipal hospital while doctors strike work,’’ the high court remarked, adding, “We will also tell govt to take up matter on war footing, but you will call off strike first.’’When he first said the strike would be called off on Friday, the high court said, “Not tomorrow. Today at lunch time (2 pm).’’The Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors (MARD), through its president Dr Atharva Shinde,assured the high court that its dedicated members would not stop treating any patient.The HC appointed senior counsel Vineet Naik assisted by advocate Amogh Singh as amicus curiae (friend of court) to assist it on the law points.The bench said it wants to address the larger issue of doctors even going on strike as it wishes to lay down the law in the matter and posted the matter next on September 8.