Politicians vs Doctors: Has Political Power Become a License to Break the Law?

The Supreme Court has delivered a strong message after repeated incidents of doctors and hospital staff allegedly being assaulted by political workers in Maharashtra. The controversy intensified around Shiv Sena corporator Ramesh Mhatre, who is facing prosecution over an alleged assault at a hospital in Kalyan. The Court questioned why people accused of attacking doctors were being allowed to remain free and stressed that such violence cannot be treated lightly.

From the doctors’ perspective, this is not simply an argument between two groups. Hospitals are already stressful places, where doctors deal with emergencies, angry relatives and difficult medical outcomes. If political influence can intimidate medical staff, it could create a dangerous situation where doctors become afraid to take difficult decisions. The recent Palghar incident, where police registered a case against several people allegedly linked to Shiv Sena over an assault on hospital staff, has added fuel to these concerns.

But there is another perspective. Political workers and their supporters also have the right to legal due process. Allegations are not convictions, and courts—not public anger—must determine guilt. Even Mhatre’s side challenged the strict bail conditions imposed on him. His lawyer argued against those restrictions, while the Supreme Court questioned the seriousness of allowing accused persons to remain at liberty.

The bigger question is whether India has created a culture where political connections can provide an unofficial shield from accountability. If a doctor attacks a patient, investigate and punish them. If a politician attacks a doctor, the same principle must apply. The law cannot have one standard for ordinary citizens and another for powerful people. The Supreme Court’s intervention is welcome—but the real test is whether police and political parties enforce this principle consistently. If power protects violence, who will protect the people who are supposed to protect us?