CJI Chandrachud on Kolkata horror: SC announces national task force to enhance hospital safety for doctors
Supreme Court on Kolkata rape and murder: The Supreme Court of India has announced the formation of a national task force aimed at enhancing the safety of doctors, amid the ongoing case concerning the rape and murder of a doctor at a Kolkata hospital. The case has ignited nationwide protests and significant public outcry.
The bench, led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud and including Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Mishra, strongly criticised the West Bengal government and the RG Kar Medical College administration for their mishandling of the case. The Supreme Court expressed deep dissatisfaction with the delay in filing the First Information Report (FIR) and the general procedural lapses surrounding the incident.
Supreme Court begins hearing on suo motu case on the rape and murder of a doctor in state-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, West Bengal. pic.twitter.com/u5AfTIPKds — ANI (@ANI) August 20, 2024
Chief Justice Chandrachud emphasised the urgency of addressing the situation, stating, "The nation cannot wait for another rape and murder." He voiced concern over the state’s handling of the case, questioning why the FIR was registered three hours after the victim's body was handed over for cremation.
During the hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta criticised the state’s law and order situation, suggesting the removal of the Kolkata police chief. Mehta highlighted the severe nature of the crime and denounced attempts to trivialise the situation, emphasising the distressing delay experienced by the victim's family.
The Supreme Court also raised concerns about the use of force against peaceful protesters. Chief Justice Chandrachud condemned the state's response to demonstrations, stating, "The government should not use force on those who are protesting peacefully." Additionally, he criticised the West Bengal government for failing to prevent vandalism at RG Kar Medical College, where a mob had destroyed critical infrastructure in the emergency ward.
The Chief Justice further scrutinised the actions of the hospital and police, questioning their response to the crime scene and the handling of the incident. He also criticised the principal of RG Kar Medical College, Sandip Ghosh, who resigned shortly after the incident but was later reassigned to another medical college. The Calcutta High Court has since instructed the West Bengal Health Department to prevent Ghosh from being appointed to any other medical college until further notice.
The Supreme Court’s intervention underscores the gravity of the situation and its commitment to ensuring accountability and improving safety protocols in medical institutions.
This is a developing case, stay tuned...
Also Read: Kolkata doctor's murder case: Delhi AIIMS doctors to stage OPD protest outside health ministry today
- With inputs from agencies
