The Supreme Court of India will continue its suo motu cognizance proceedings regarding the tragic rape and murder of a trainee doctor from Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on September 9. This case has drawn significant attention due to its brutal nature and alleged systemic failures.
A three-judge bench led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, alongside Justices J B Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, is set to review the case. The court had previously described the incident as "horrific and horrendous," attributing it to systemic deficiencies within state machinery.
On August 20, the Supreme Court established a 10-member National Task Force (NTF) to address issues related to the safety and security of doctors and healthcare staff across India. The NTF, chaired by Surgeon Vice-Admiral Arti Sarin of the Navy, includes prominent figures such as D Nageshwar Reddy, M Srinivas, Pratima Murthy, and other notable healthcare leaders. The task force is tasked with developing guidelines to enhance safety measures and working conditions for medical professionals.
The Supreme Court has expressed grave concerns about the handling of the case, criticizing the Kolkata police and state authorities for their slow response and inadequate investigation. The court also condemned the vandalism of RG Kar Hospital by a mob and warned the West Bengal government against using force against peaceful protesters, urging a sensitive approach to the matter.
The NTF is expected to focus on preventing gender-based violence and ensuring dignified working conditions for medical staff. The court has highlighted the need for improved safety measures, including separate rest and duty areas for male and female doctors.
Additionally, the Supreme Court has assigned the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) to enhance security at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. It also scrutinized the former principal, Sandip Ghosh, for his initial misclassification of the case as a suicide and criticized the delay in registering the FIR and securing the crime scene.
The court has directed the removal of the deceased doctor’s name, photos, and videos from media and social media to respect her privacy and dignity.
The Supreme Court’s continued examination of the case underscores the urgent need for systemic reforms to protect healthcare workers and ensure justice for victims.
