In a significant move aimed at bolstering the security and safety of medical professionals, the Supreme Court on Tuesday established a national task force to propose measures for safeguarding doctors across India.
The decision follows the court’s suo moto cognizance of a tragic incident involving the rape and murder of a junior doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, which has raised pressing concerns about the safety of healthcare workers.
Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, leading the bench, described the incident as horrific, underlining that it has brought to light a broader, systemic issue affecting the working conditions of doctors, particularly in public hospitals.
“The safety of doctors is of the highest national concern,” remarked CJI Chandrachud, expressing deep worry over the lack of secure working environments for young medical professionals.
The bench, which also included Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, emphasized the court’s commitment to ensuring the protection of doctors, stating, “This is not merely an isolated crime; it concerns the integrity of the healthcare system across the nation.”
In addition to forming the task force, the Supreme Court directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to submit a status report on the ongoing investigation within two days.
The court instructed the West Bengal government to provide an update on the reported hospital vandalism after the tragic incident.
The court strongly criticized the West Bengal government for allowing the publication of the deceased victim’s name and photographs, calling it extremely concerning.
The CJI highlighted the need to balance free speech with respect for privacy and dignity in such sensitive cases.
Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, representing the West Bengal government, responded by stating that multiple FIRs had been filed, and the government had taken steps to prevent further dissemination of sensitive information.
The bench also questioned the actions of Dr. Sandip Ghosh, the principal of RG Kar Medical College, who is currently under intense questioning by the CBI.
The court raised concerns about the delayed registration of an FIR and the apparent attempt to misrepresent the incident as a suicide.
The Supreme Court further questioned the role of the police during the aftermath of the incident, particularly regarding the gathering of a large mob that damaged critical hospital facilities.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta criticized the local law enforcement for their apparent inaction, suggesting that such a large gathering could not have occurred without the knowledge or tacit approval of the police.
Emphasizing the need for restraint, the Supreme Court advised the state not to use its police powers against peaceful protesters from the medical community or civil societies.
“It is a time of national reflection and catharsis,” CJI Chandrachud noted, advocating for a measured response to protests in the wake of the incident.
The case, officially titled “Alleged rape and murder incident of a trainee doctor in RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata, and related issues,” has drawn widespread attention, with numerous petitions urging the Supreme Court to oversee the investigation and ensure justice.
One such petition, filed by Dr. Monica Singh, requested judicial oversight to guarantee a thorough and unbiased inquiry into the incident.
It also called for the implementation of nationwide security measures in medical institutions to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
The Supreme Court’s decision to establish a national task force reflects the gravity of the issue and the urgent need to protect those who serve on the front lines of healthcare in India.
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