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Mumbai, May 14, 2025 – The Bombay High Court has rejected the anticipatory bail plea of a senior professor from Mumbai’s civic-run KEM Hospital, who faces serious allegations of sexual harassment from six junior women doctors. The decision, delivered by Justice Rajesh Patil, underscores the judiciary’s recognition of the emotional and psychological trauma experienced by the victims.
Allegations and Background
The accused, an additional professor in the Forensic Medicine Department at KEM Hospital, has been booked under several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including Section 74 (unwelcome physical contact and sexually coloured remarks), Section 75 (use of criminal force with intent to outrage modesty), and Section 79 (protection from actions intended to insult modesty).
According to the complaints, the professor allegedly inappropriately touched the women and made offensive comments. The six complainants, all assistant professors, reportedly delayed coming forward due to fears of career repercussions and emotional distress.
Prior Actions and Investigation
Hospital authorities had previously suspended the accused professor and barred him from both public and private professional activities. Notably, a similar complaint had been made against the professor in 2021, but that case could not proceed as the complainant had moved abroad.
The prosecution argued that the accused had taken inappropriate photographs of the victims, which are yet to be recovered. It was also alleged that he, along with his wife, pressured the main complainant and other victims to withdraw their complaints, with screenshots provided as evidence.
Court’s Observations
The Sessions Court had earlier denied the professor’s request for pre-arrest bail, citing concerns about possible interference with the investigation and the potential to influence witnesses. The High Court echoed these concerns, highlighting the accused’s influential position and the risk of retaliation against the complainants.
Justice Patil noted the gravity of the situation, especially as the accused was a member of the hospital’s internal committee under the Prevention of Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (POSH) Act. The Court emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety and dignity of women in the workplace, particularly in a hospital setting.
“Eventually, one has to consider the emotional and psychological harm caused to the victims who are pursuing their medical courses. Considering the safety of women in a workplace like a hospital and the moral and legal duty to protect women’s dignity, the present pre-arrest bail application requires to be rejected,” the Court stated.
Current Status
The accused professor remains suspended, not terminated. The Court noted that if he were to succeed in challenging his suspension, he could potentially return to duty, raising further concerns for the safety and well-being of the complainants.
Disclaimer
This news article is based on information reported by Medical Dialogues and other publicly available sources as of May 14, 2025. The accused is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The case is under investigation, and further developments may alter the facts as presented. The article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or a final judgment on the matter.
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