Bombay HC Rejects Plea By Doctors Accused In Payal Tadvi Case To Continue Studies At Same Hospital

In Thursday's hearing, Justice SS Jadhav had summoned the head of department, gynecology and obstetrics of BYL Nair Hospital in order to decide if the three accused can be permitted to complete their master's degree at the same hospital where the 27-year-old Tadvi allegedly committed suicide (in her hostel room).

It was submitted on behalf of the Hospital on Friday that allowing the accused to enter the premises again and attend classes would create an atmosphere of apprehension and hamper health services provided by the hospital.

Previously, while granting bail to the three accused in August last year, Justice Jadhav had noted that the medical license of all three accused would remain suspended until the conclusion of the trial. On Friday, Court recalled the said direction and revoked the suspension.

However, the Court also noted that the Executive Committee of the Maharashtra Medical Council will be at liberty to rule on the medical licenses of the accused at the appropriate time.

Appearing for the accused, Senior Counsel Aabad Ponda had sought permission of the Court to enter the hospital so that his clients could complete their finalyear of post-graduation in Gynecology.

Dr.Payal Tadvi, a second-year MD student of Gynecology, hung herself in her hostel room on May 22. She belonged to the Tadvi Bhil Muslim community, a Scheduled Tribe. All three accused allegedly passed humiliating remarks against Dr.Payal Tadvi's picture which was on her friend Whatsapp status. She was even scolded in the operation theater in front of everyone, the prosecution submitted.

The accused doctors have been booked under section 306 (abetment of suicide) and 34 (acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention) of the Indian Penal Code and under the Maharashtra Prohibition of Ragging Act and the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.