The Bombay High Court rejected anticipatory bail for a senior KEM Hospital doctor accused of molesting six women colleagues. The court emphasized the need to consider the emotional and psychological trauma of the victims.
Mumbai, May 11: The Bombay High Court has refused to grant pre-arrest bail to Dr. Ravindra Deokar, a senior doctor working at the government-run KEM Hospital in Mumbai.
He has been accused of sexually harassing six women junior doctors who were working under him.
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The Court said that it has to consider the “emotional and psychological trauma” suffered by the victims in such serious cases.
Dr. Deokar is an Additional Professor in the Department of Forensic Medicine at KEM Hospital. According to the complaint, the six victims were working as Assistant Professors at the same hospital.
They have alleged that he touched them in an inappropriate manner and made indecent and uncomfortable comments on multiple occasions.
The incident came to light after the victims gathered courage and lodged a complaint. They claimed that they had been facing harassment over time, and the actions of Dr. Deokar had caused them deep mental distress.
Following this, the police registered a case against him and began an investigation. Fearing arrest, Dr. Deokar approached the Bombay High Court seeking anticipatory bail.
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However, on May 8, the High Court refused to grant him relief. While dismissing his plea, the Court highlighted the seriousness of the allegations and said that the emotional impact on the victims must be taken into account.
The Court stated that it is important to ensure justice for victims of such misconduct, especially in workplaces like hospitals where safety and dignity are expected to be maintained at all times.
The Court clearly mentioned that it had to give importance to the “emotional and psychological trauma” faced by the victims.
This remark shows the judiciary’s concern for the mental health and safety of women at the workplace.
The matter is now under police investigation, and Dr. Deokar may soon be taken into custody for further questioning.
The hospital administration has also been informed about the case, and further internal steps may be taken depending on the investigation’s outcome.
This case highlights the urgent need for creating safer and more respectful work environments for women, especially in sensitive institutions like hospitals where professionals are expected to work with mutual trust and discipline.
The Bombay High Court’s decision has sent a strong message that sexual harassment in any form will not be tolerated, and victims’ mental health and emotional suffering are to be given equal importance as legal facts in such matters.
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