Mumbai: Taking serious cognizance of the issue of violence against doctors, the Bombay High Court has imposed a huge fine of Rs 1 lakh on a 'social worker' for allegedly assaulting a doctor.
The accused who claimed himself to be a social worker was the relative of a patient who passed away in a Bombay-based private facility. After the patient died due to COVID, the accused allegedly manhandled the hospital staff and also assaulted the doctor.
According to the prosecutors, this is the highest amount of fine imposed so far during the lockdown in a case of violence against a doctor.
Also Read:Maha: Doctor slapped, abused and beaten up after COVID patient death, 1 held, 3 absconding
Times of India reports that the doctor approached filed a complaint against the accused social worker in the Baramati city police station. After finding the accused guilty, the Bombay High Court justice Bharati Dangre has instructed the offender to deliver a fine of rupees 1 lakhs for the chief minister's relief fund for corona care as a pre-arrest bail condition.
As per the daily, the public prosecutor SV Gavand stated that according to the FIR, the accused barged into the consulting room of Baramati Hospital, though he was denied access. He allegedly threatened the doctor with 'dire consequences' along with abusing the other nurses and staff. After that, the accused punched the doctor and physically assaulted him.
However, the advocate for the petitioner Shri Ram Chaudhari admitted that the petitioner might have overreacted as he was seeking an explanation for the death of his relative and was succumbed with grief because they got no 'satisfactory explanation' from the doctor or the hospital.
After receiving the submissions of both the parties, the High Court observed that the sorrows and grief of COVID patients and their families must not be overlooked but it cannot justify violence against doctors, nurses, and other health staff who have selflessly acted as corona warriors and extended their services throughout the pandemic under constant risk of exposure.
Terming the incident as 'unfortunate', the court added that the medical fraternity itself was subjected to an attack' but their hard work and stress should be appreciated and acknowledged if not rewarded and this kind of behaviour is not expected and unforgivable, reports TOI.
The Court further added that it is natural for the bereaved family to feel remorse but the culprit must be held accountable for his actions. Justice Dangre further added that " patients must take responsibility for his reckless and supercilious act and this can only be attained if he contributes to the cause for which he had for the so-called battle."
Lauding the role played by the health workers during the pandemic, the court stated that "their contribution to the welfare of humans is priceless and deserves live long gratitude." He was granted a pre-arrest bail of rupees 25000 but he has been given only two weeks after his release to deposit the whole amount to the CM's fund.