SC angered by attacks on doctors:Says no one is above the law and elected leaders bear greater responsibility; Shiv Sena councillor’s bail revoked

The Supreme Court has expressed displeasure over the increasing attacks on doctors and government employees. The court stated that the public’s elected leaders have the greatest responsibility to respect the law. The power of their position can never be above the law. The bench of Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Sandeep Mehta made this remark while cancelling the bail of Shiv Sena councilor Ramesh Mhatre and three others. These three are accused of assaulting and abusing the doctors of a municipal hospital in Thane. In its order dated September 28, the court directed all the accused to surrender by October 5. 4 pictures of the incident in July… Court says – such cases disturb peace of society The Supreme Court stated that elected representatives have a greater responsibility to respect the law and strengthen public trust in institutions. There is an increasing use of force, intimidation, or illegal methods by those holding elected office in dealing with the public and government employees. Such cases have been reported from many parts of the country. The bench stated that the current incident cannot be viewed as an isolated incident. Such incidents negatively impact the peace and stability of society. The court noted that after Mhatre’s case, a similar incident involving Shiv Sena leaders had also occurred in Palghar, Maharashtr Six observations by the Supreme Court Impact of attacks on doctors The bench said this concern becomes even more serious when medical professionals have to face such behaviour. These doctors are responsible for caring for people’s health and lives. The court said doctors often work with vulnerable patients in medical emergencies and in situations requiring immediate professional decisions. Such work requires restraint and the ability to make the right decision immediately. The bench said that an atmosphere of fear or insecurity in a hospital affects not only the doctor concerned. It can also affect the system for providing patients with safe and effective treatment. The court said that those responsible for protecting the health of others cannot be forced to work in an atmosphere of fear, threats, or apprehension. The Supreme Court said that violence by a person holding elected office against medical professionals is extremely serious. It puts the safety and dignity of those caring for patients at risk. The court said that such violence also undermines the responsibility attached to public office to uphold the rule of law. The power of elected office cannot give any citizen grounds to disregard the restrictions imposed by law. ​