Why Was SPP Removed from Dr Payal Tadvi Suicide Case?
Summary: The Bombay High Court reacted in shock at the abrupt withdrawal of Special Public Prosecutor Pradeep Gharat from the Dr Payal Tadvi suicide case and has challenged the Maharashtra government’s action, underlining the pressing need for dealing with caste discrimination in educational institutions.
Unexpected Removal of SPP in Dr Payal Tadvi Suicide Case Raises Questions
The case has been in the spotlight due to the unexpected dismissal of Special Public Prosecutor (SPP) Pradeep Gharat by the Maharashtra government, which has now drawn the attention of the Bombay High Court.
Case Details
Dr Payal Tadvi, aged 26 years, belonged to a scheduled tribal community. She was a second-year resident doctor at BYL Nair Hospital in Mumbai and was pursuing her Master’s degree in Obstetrics and Gynaecology.
She was repeatedly harassed and abused, based on her caste, by three senior students—Hema Ahuja, Bhakti Meher, and Ankita Khandelwal—of the Topiwala National Medical College and BYL Nair Hospital, Mumbai. This led to her committing suicide on May 22, 2019.
Charges Against Accused
The three students were charged with abetment of suicide, destroying evidence, and were arrested by the Mumbai Police.
In July 2019, a 1,203-page chargesheet was filed by the Mumbai Police, finding the accused guilty under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, Maharashtra Prohibition of Ragging Act, and Information Technology Act, 2000.
Victim’s Mother’s Complaints
The victim’s mother, Abeda Salim Tadvi, had complained multiple times to Dr Yi Ching Ling, the former Head of the Gynaecology and Obstetrics department at BYL Nair Hospital, regarding the harassment her daughter faced, but no action was taken.
The hospital suspended Dr Yi Ching Ling, but without proof of negligence, she was given a clean chit by the Maharashtra State Human Rights Commission, though she remains suspended.
SPP Removal Controversy
Special Public Prosecutor Pradeep Gharat had applied to the trial court to add Dr Yi Ching Ling as an accused. Soon after, he was removed from the case by the state government.
Abeda Tadvi filed a plea before the High Court challenging this abrupt dismissal.
Bombay High Court’s Response
On August 11, the Bombay High Court expressed shock at the unceremonious removal of SPP Gharat.
The bench of Justices Ravindra V. Ghuge and Gautam A. Ankhad remarked: “Mr Gharat is a seasoned lawyer. These are testing times. These are times when faith in the judiciary is tested by society… Did your government take the initiative to speak to the advocate? Did you not meet him? Or you take action based in your ivory tower…”
The bench questioned the government on removing a lawyer with 30–40 years of experience, who had secured several high-profile convictions, including the journalist J. Dey murder case.
Advocate Mahesh Mule has been appointed as the new SPP. The government claimed Advocate Mule is experienced, and that the victim’s family was represented by their own counsel.
However, the victim’s counsel, Advocate Lara Jesani, argued that Advocate Gharat’s removal was done without providing reasons and was contrary to law.
Current Status of Case
The hearing will continue on August 13, with the government directed to produce the letter recommending Gharat’s removal. The Tadvi family has also appealed to the Chief Minister’s office for Gharat’s reinstatement.
The trial in the 2019 case is yet to begin. Meanwhile:
- The three accused were granted bail on August 9 on a surety of ₹2 lakhs each.
- They must appear before the crime branch every alternate day.
- Their medical licenses remain suspended.
- They cannot travel outside Mumbai or enter BYL Nair Hospital or Topiwala National Medical College.
Caste Discrimination in Education
This case highlights the failure to protect the rights of Dalit and Adivasi students. Abeda Tadvi, along with Radhika Vemula (mother of Rohith Vemula, another victim of caste discrimination), has petitioned the court on this issue.
Caste-based harassment in educational institutions remains a serious concern, demanding systemic reforms to ensure safety and equality for minority and tribal communities.
My Thoughts: Turning Education into a Space for Empathy
Those who look down on peers from minority or tribal communities must learn basic respect. In a democratic country with diverse cultures and communities, every citizen should coexist harmoniously.
Counselling and proper grievance redressal systems are essential. Faculty should be trained to handle such cases with sensitivity. Education must go beyond academics, it should teach
- Respect
- Empathy
- Quality
A student who becomes a good human being will ultimately make a good doctor.
Inputs from various media sources.
