Palghar Hospital Assault Case: Bombay HC Questions If Defying DGP Directions Can Attract ‘Minor Punishment’

The Bombay High Court questioned whether defying orders from the Director General of Police (DGP) could result in only a "minor punishment" in the Palghar Hospital Assault Case. A bench of Justices Ajey Gadkari and Kamal Khata expressed concerns over the manner in which disciplinary action was initiated against a police officer for improper maintenance of case diaries.

The court raised questions about the Superintendent of Police's authority to propose punishment before the DGP had examined the issue and directed the DGP to clarify the consequences of violating his orders. The court emphasized the seriousness of non-compliance with DGP directives concerning the mandatory maintenance of case diaries.

The bench noted that the case diary relating to the alleged assault on doctors at a Palghar hospital should be sent to the DGP by September 18, but questioned why the SP initiated disciplinary action without reference to the court's order or the relevant circular. The court also expressed dissatisfaction with repeated instances of improperly maintained case diaries despite legal requirements and circulars issued by the DGP.

The investigation into the assault on doctors at the hospital is ongoing, with several accused arrested and a test identification parade pending.