Key SC hearing on Kolkata doctor rape-murder today
The Supreme Court will on Tuesday hear a suo moto petition on the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at Kolkata's government-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The case has sparked nationwide protests due to allegations of a mishandled investigation and potential cover-up. The hearing will be presided over by a bench led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, along with Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra.
Why does this story matter?
Since August 12, doctors have been on an indefinite strike, suspending all elective and non-essential services including OPDs. On August 9, a 31-year-old trainee doctor's body was discovered in semi-naked condition at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The police later confirmed that she was raped before being killed, leading to nationwide outrage and demands for improved safety measures within hospitals.
Lawyers, doctor urge CJI to intervene in case
The Supreme Court's decision to take up the case follows a letter written by two lawyers practicing in the Supreme Court and a doctor from Telangana. Advocates Ujjawal Gaur and Rohit Pandey, along with the doctor, urged CJI Chandrachud to intervene in this matter. Their letter said that it is "crucial for the highest court of the land to step in at this time."
Doctors' bodies file interim application in suo motu case
Separately, the Federation of Resident Doctors Association and the Federation of Association of Medical Consultants of India have filed an interim plea in the suo motu case. The plea seeks guidelines to enhance security at medical colleges and hospitals nationwide. Advocate Satyam Singh, representing FORDA, requested the deployment of central forces to protect RG Kar Medical College staff until the case is resolved.
West Bengal Governor assures justice, meets President
Meanwhile, in response to the ongoing protests, West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose has arrived in Delhi and is expected to meet President Droupadi Murmu and other senior leaders. Earlier, during a Raksha Bandhan program at Raj Bhavan, Bose called for collective action to protect women and expressed his commitment to serving the people.
