In the wake of widespread protests concerning the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Hospital in Kolkata, a Supreme Court bench led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud is currently reviewing a suo motu case pertaining to this incident. Concurrently, West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose has traveled to Delhi to discuss the matter with President Droupadi Murmu and other national leaders.
During a Raksha Bandhan event at Raj Bhavan on Monday, the governor remarked, “Democracy in West Bengal is deteriorating. This situation is untenable. We must commit ourselves today to safeguarding our daughters and sisters.”
The parents of the trainee doctor have expressed their discontent regarding the alleged efforts to suppress protestors and have voiced disappointment in the response of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to the rape-murder case.
Health services nationwide have been disrupted as doctors’ strikes enter their tenth day. In response to demands for enhanced safety, the Union Health Ministry has sanctioned a 25 percent increase in security personnel at central hospitals.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is actively investigating the case, having taken over from the Kolkata police following a directive from the Calcutta High Court. The CBI has also received authorization to conduct a polygraph examination on the accused, Sanjoy Roy.
The Trinamool Congress (TMC) government in West Bengal has come under scrutiny for its alleged role in suppressing protests. Senior TMC leader Arup Chakraborty, during a rally, cautioned doctors that should public sentiment shift against them, they would not be protected. He further threatened those who criticize Mamata Banerjee, stating that their fingers would be broken, which has drawn condemnation from various political factions.
The Supreme Court has commenced proceedings regarding the RG Kar incident
The Supreme Court has commenced its proceedings regarding the RG Kar case, in which a female physician was tragically raped and murdered on August 9 while on duty. The bench is presided over by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud.
The Chief Justice of India emphasizes that the matter extends beyond a single case, highlighting a systemic issue regarding the safety of doctors throughout the country.
During the proceedings concerning the RG Kar incident, Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud emphasized that the matter extends beyond a singular case, highlighting the broader systemic issue of physician safety across the nation. The Supreme Court has taken suo motu cognizance of the rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee doctor that occurred on August 9, an event that has sparked extensive protests throughout the country.
SC articulates significant apprehensions regarding the publication of victims’ names in the media.
The Supreme Court articulated significant apprehensions regarding the publication of the victim’s name in the media following her rape and murder. The court remarked, “We are profoundly troubled by the widespread dissemination of the victim’s name in the media, along with the circulation of her photographs and videos. This situation raises serious concerns… Is this how we honor the dignity of the young doctor who has tragically lost her life?”
The court has determined that inadequate workplace safety measures are obstructing women’s equality.
The Supreme Court, during the proceedings of a case concerning the rape and murder of a female doctor at RG Kar Hospital while she was on duty, stated that the absence of workplace safety measures was infringing upon women’s rights to equality. Furthermore, the court emphasized the necessity for a national protocol aimed at guaranteeing safe working environments, especially for doctors who frequently endure 36-hour shifts.
The highest court has suggested the establishment of a national task force dedicated to ensuring the safety of medical professionals.
The Supreme Court has suggested the establishment of a national task force tasked with developing guidelines aimed at safeguarding medical professionals throughout the nation. The Chief Justice of India emphasized that hospitals operate continuously, with doctors providing care around the clock, frequently encountering mistreatment from patients and their families, thereby necessitating protective measures.
The Solicitor General has stated that there is a total breakdown of law and order in West Bengal.
In a hearing at the Supreme Court regarding the RG Kar incident, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta asserted that the West Bengal government must acknowledge the total breakdown of law and order within the state. Furthermore, the court criticized the government for the delays in registering a First Information Report (FIR) and for the mishandling of the crime scene.
The highest court has urged physicians to conclude their strike.
During the proceedings of a case concerning the rape and murder of a physician at RG Kar Hospital, the Supreme Court urged medical professionals throughout India to cease their strike, citing the detrimental impact on healthcare services. The court emphasized, “We seek to earn their trust. Their safety and security is of utmost national importance.”
Court asks CBI for status report on Thursday
On Thursday, the Supreme Court requested a status report from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) concerning their inquiry into the rape and murder of a physician at RG Kar Hospital, which occurred on August 9. Additionally, the CBI was instructed to provide an explanation regarding the mob vandalism and violence that transpired at RG Kar Hospital on August 14. Having assumed control of the investigation from the Kolkata police, the CBI has been authorized to perform a polygraph test on the suspect, Sanjoy Roy, today.
SC expresses apprehension regarding the West Bengal government’s suppression of protestors.
In a hearing concerning the RG Kar incident, the Supreme Court observed that the West Bengal government had been exercising its authority to suppress protests. Furthermore, the court condemned the government for lodging a First Information Report three hours after the discovery of the body and for causing disruptions at the crime scene associated with the government.
The highest court has revealed the members of the national task force dedicated to ensuring the safety of doctors.
In a recent hearing concerning the RG Kar incident, the Supreme Court established a national task force aimed at safeguarding the well-being of medical professionals across the nation.
The members appointed to this task force include: Surgeon Vice Admiral RK Sarian; Dr. Reddy, Managing Director of the Asian Institute of National Gastroenterology; Dr. M. Srivas, Director of AIIMS, Delhi; Dr. Prathima Moorthy from NIMHANS, Bangalore; Dr. Puri, Director of AIIMS, Jodhpur; Dr. Ravat, Managing Member of Gangaram Hospital; Prof. Anita Saxena, Vice Chancellor of Pandit BD Sharma College; along with Dr. Pallavi and Dr. Padma Srivastav.
Additionally, the task force will comprise ex-officio members, including the Cabinet Secretary, the Home Secretary, the Secretary of the Ministry of Family Welfare, the Chairperson of the National Medical Commission, and the President of the National Board of Examiners.
Supreme court outlines objectives for national task force
The Supreme Court directed the newly established national task force to take action on two key areas while deliberating on a case concerning the rape and murder of a female physician.
The court emphasized that the task force must focus on preventing violence, particularly gender-based violence, against medical professionals, and must also establish a comprehensive national protocol to ensure dignified and safe working conditions for interns, residents, senior residents, and doctors.
Furthermore, the court specified that to mitigate gender-based violence against medical practitioners, several measures should be implemented, including enhancing safety within hospitals, advancing infrastructural development, employing social welfare workers trained in grief and crisis counseling, and conducting workshops aimed at managing grief and crisis situations.
SC asks taskforce to focus on enforcement of POSH act for all medical professionals
The Supreme Court established a 10-member task force aimed at safeguarding the well-being of medical professionals. The task force was instructed to ensure compliance with the Prevention of Sexual Harassment Against Women at the Workplace Act within hospitals, nursing homes, and private healthcare institutions. Furthermore, the court clarified that the provisions of this act extend beyond doctors to include interns, junior resident doctors, senior resident doctors, and nursing staff.
NTF to submit first report in 3 weeks, final report in 2 months
The national task force established by the Supreme Court is anticipated to present an interim report within three weeks, containing recommendations aimed at safeguarding the well-being of medical practitioners and implementing the directives issued by the court. Additionally, a comprehensive final report is expected to be delivered in three months. The ten-member task force has been assigned the responsibility of exploring strategies to combat gender-based violence directed at all healthcare professionals.