In a shocking case at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, where a doctor was raped and murdered, the Supreme Court criticized the West Bengal government on August 20, 2024, for delaying the filing of an FIR (First Information Report).
Supreme Court’s Concerns
The Supreme Court, taking suo motu (on its own) notice of the case, highlighted that this incident raises serious issues about the safety of doctors across India. Chief Justice of India (CJI) D.Y. Chandrachud, who led the bench, said that if women cannot go to work safely, it denies them equality.
Questions for the West Bengal Government
The Supreme Court questioned the West Bengal government about the delay in filing the FIR. The Court asked:
- What were the hospital authorities doing?
- How did a crowd of thousands enter RG Kar Medical College?
- Why was the principal of the hospital quickly appointed to another college despite being under investigation?
- How did 7,000 people get into the hospital without the Kolkata police knowing?
The Court also questioned why the principal initially tried to label the incident as a suicide when it was clear that a crime had occurred.
Bench Members
The bench included Justice J.B. Pardiwala and Justice Manoj Mishra. The Supreme Court noted that the West Bengal government should avoid using force against protestors. The Court emphasized that young doctors often work for 36 hours and called for national protocols to ensure safety at workplaces.
Solicitor General’s Remarks
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said that West Bengal should not be in denial and that law and order in the state had completely failed. The Supreme Court’s intervention is crucial as the Calcutta High Court had already taken action and transferred the investigation to the CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation).
Doctors’ Strike
Doctors have been on strike since August 18, 2024, and it has now extended into the second week, causing problems for patients. The protesting doctors want the CBI to catch the culprits and for the court to impose the death penalty. They also seek assurances from the government to prevent such incidents in the future. The Supreme Court has appealed to the doctors to return to work, assuring them that their concerns are being taken very seriously.
