Court cites emotional trauma and workplace safety concerns as key reasons for rejection
Mumbai, May 11 — The Bombay High Court has rejected the anticipatory bail plea of Dr. Ravindra Deokar, a senior faculty member at Mumbai’s civic-run KEM Hospital, who stands accused of molesting six women assistant professors. The court emphasized the emotional and psychological trauma inflicted upon the victims and highlighted the necessity of maintaining workplace safety and dignity for women.Justice Rajesh Patil, presiding over the matter, passed the order on May 8, stressing that Dr. Deokar had misused his influential position as an additional professor in the department of forensic medicine. The court noted that the victims had long endured his alleged inappropriate behaviour, which included offensive comments and physical harassment, but were initially afraid to come forward due to fears of career repercussions.
“High likelihood of revenge and repeat offences”
The bench warned that granting bail could result in retaliation against the complainants and could potentially enable Dr. Deokar to continue his misconduct. “If Deokar is granted anticipatory bail, there is every likelihood he would take revenge against all the complainant victims, and there is also a high chance that he would repeat the same act,” the court stated.History of complaints and POSH Committee membership
In a profound revelation, the court pointed out that this was not the first time such allegations had surfaced against Dr. Deokar. A similar complaint was reportedly filed in 2021 by another woman doctor. Furthermore, Dr. Deokar was a member of the hospital’s Internal Complaints Committee under the Prevention of Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (POSH) Act. This role made the allegations particularly grave.“This is a case where the allegations are against a doctor who is a member of the POSH committee... by not one, but six persons,” the court noted, underscoring the abuse of a role meant to safeguard women’s rights at the workplace.
Suspension and ongoing investigations
Following registering a case at Bhoiwada Police Station, Dr. Deokar was suspended from duty. In his defense, he claimed the allegations were part of an internal vendetta and stemmed from personal grudges and hospital politics. However, the court remained unconvinced.Justice Patil clarified that suspension does not equate to termination, and there remains a possibility that Dr. Deokar could return to his post if he succeeds in challenging the suspension. The court also acknowledged that, besides the six assistant professors, medical students have begun to approach the police with complaints of inappropriate conduct by Dr. Deokar.
Upholding women's dignity in the workplace
The court concluded its order by stating, “Eventually, one has to consider the emotional and psychological harm caused to the victims who are pursuing their medical courses, and considering the safety in a workplace like a hospital, and to morally and legally protect women's dignity, the present pre-arrest bail application requires to be rejected.”The case continues to unfold as more individuals come forward, shining a spotlight on systemic issues of harassment within reputed medical institutions.