The Supreme Court of India has directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to submit a new status report on the rape and murder of a junior doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata last month.
During a hearing on Monday, Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, leading a bench with Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, reviewed the CBI’s previous status report.
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The Court chose not to comment publicly on the ongoing investigation but has given the CBI one week to provide updates on any new developments.
The case, initiated suo moto by the Supreme Court, addresses the Alleged rape and murder incident of a trainee doctor in RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata, and related issues.
The Court has scheduled further proceedings for 17 September, awaiting the fresh report from the CBI.
In an earlier hearing on 22 August, the Court instructed the CBI to persist with the investigation and also requested updates on the vandalism of hospital premises that occurred on 14 August.
The Court emphasized the need for continued scrutiny of these events, reflecting the seriousness of the situation.
Additionally, the Supreme Court has mandated the establishment of a National Task Force (NTF) to engage with various medical associations.
This task force is to devise comprehensive recommendations for improving the safety, working conditions, and overall well-being of medical professionals.
Chief Justice Chandrachud described the incident as horrific, highlighting its implications for the broader issue of doctor safety nationwide.
The Court expressed deep concern over the inadequate safety conditions faced by young doctors, particularly in public hospitals.
The Supreme Court’s intervention underscores the critical importance of addressing systemic issues related to the security of medical professionals, marking it as a highest national concern.
The formation of the NTF aims to propose actionable measures to enhance the protection and working environment for doctors across the country.
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