In summary,
- The court responded to emails concerning the mob assaults at the hospital in Kolkata.
- The Calcutta High Court has announced its decision to close the hospital and relocate the patients.
- The Chief Justice expressed disapproval of the West Bengal government’s inadequate response.
On Friday, the Calcutta High Court addressed a case concerning the vandalism and mob violence that occurred at the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata on the eve of Independence Day, coinciding with the nationwide ‘Reclaim the Night’ protest.
The Chief Justice of the Calcutta High Court criticized the West Bengal government for its failure to prevent the vandalism, describing it as an “absolute failure of state machinery.” He characterized the situation as a “sorry state of affairs,” questioning the ability of the city police to ensure their own safety and asking, “how can these doctors work fearlessly?” The court indicated that it might close the hospital and transfer patients to alternative facilities.
The court’s attention to the matter was prompted by emails it received regarding the vandalism and mob attack at the hospital, as reported by Live Law, citing the Chief Justice.
In rebuking the state for its inadequate response, the Chief Justice remarked, “You invoke Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) for any reason. Given the level of unrest, you should have secured the area.”
He further noted, “7,000 individuals cannot simply walk in.”
The court emphasized that such occurrences significantly undermine the morale and confidence of both doctors and medical personnel.
The court emphasized that it is the duty of the state government to foster an environment in which healthcare professionals can carry out their responsibilities without the threat of violence.
The Chief Justice urged for prompt and effective measures to be implemented to avert such occurrences in the future.
The court has scheduled the case for a hearing on Wednesday.
In acknowledging the incident, the court instructed the police to update the Central Bureau of Investigation, which is overseeing the inquiry into the rape and murder of the trainee doctor in Kolkata, regarding the “complete sequence of events leading to the incident.”
Additionally, the court requested that the central investigative agency submit an interim report concerning the investigation into the Kolkata case.
In the meantime, the Kolkata Police have apprehended 19 individuals for their involvement in vandalism at the hospital during the nationwide protests. According to police reports, a group of 40 to 50 individuals, masquerading as demonstrators, unlawfully entered the hospital grounds late on Wednesday night and caused damage to property.
The investigation into the horrific murder and rape of the trainee doctor has been transferred from the Kolkata Police to the Central Bureau of Investigation following directives from the Calcutta High Court.