'Our hearts go out...': SC urges doctors to resume duties
Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud urged doctors to end their protest on Thursday during a Supreme Court hearing on the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. "Doctors must stop the protest...Our hearts go out to those who visit government hospitals with ailments," he said. When a lawyer informed that some AIIMS doctors were being targeted, CJI assured that no action would be taken against them if they returned to work.
Why does this story matter?
On August 9, a 31-year-old trainee doctor was raped and murdered in the hospital premises, sparking nationwide outrage. The rape and murder of the doctor has sparked widespread protests across India, with healthcare workers demanding justice for their colleague. These protests have significantly disrupted outpatient services and routine surgeries in government hospitals nationwide. The most prominent demonstrations were seen in Delhi and Kolkata—which became focal points of protest.
CJI assures no action against returning doctors
CJI Chandrachud mentioned that a general order would be issued once doctors return to work. The counsel for doctors highlighted, "In PGI Chandigarh, doctors participate in rallies and come back to work, but their casual leaves are being deducted." Responding to this, the CJI noted that those directors were experienced doctors and assured that the Supreme Court would look into the matter and address their concerns.
CBI submits status report on Kolkata rape-murder case
During the hearing, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) submitted a status report to the court on its probe into the Kolkata rape-murder case. The accused, Sanjay Roy, a civic volunteer who had been with Kolkata Police since 2019, is currently in CBI custody undergoing psychiatric tests. Notably, on Wednesday the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has taken charge of the security arrangements at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata on the directions of the court.
SC forms task force, issues directives to media
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has set up a National Task Force to recommend measures for preventing violence and ensuring safe working conditions for medical professionals. The court also directed social media platforms and electronic media to immediately remove any content related to the deceased in the RG Kar Hospital case.
