Supreme Court intervenes in kolkata rape-murder case: orders CBI probe and formation of national task force

New Delhi August 20 2024 : The Supreme Court of India has taken suo motu cognizance of the tragic   rape and murder   of a trainee doctor from RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, highlighting the critical safety concerns for doctors and women workers across the country. The case has gained widespread attention, prompting Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, along with Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, to question the handling of the investigation by Kolkata Police and the hospital authorities. During Tuesday’s hearing, the Supreme Court bench expressed serious reservations about the safety conditions in public hospitals, especially for young doctors. Chief Justice Chandrachud underscored that the case, officially referred to as “In Re: Alleged rape and murder incident of a trainee doctor in RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata,” and related issue,” goes beyond a single incident and highlights deeper systemic issues that require immediate and urgent attention.

The court has ordered the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to submit a status report on the progress of the investigation by Thursday. This directive comes after the Calcutta High Court had already handed over the probe to the CBI, underlining the gravity of the situation. In a significant move, the Supreme Court announced the formation of a national task force composed of doctors from different parts of the country. This task force will be responsible for making recommendations to improve the safety of doctors at the workplace. The Chief Justice emphasized that the safety of doctors is a matter of national concern, and a standard protocol must be established and enforced across the country. The bench also expressed its dismay over the publication of the victim’s name, photographs, and video clips before and after the post-mortem by the media, calling it “extremely concerning.” The court stressed the importance of evolving a national consensus to establish a standard protocol for ensuring workplace safety, not just on paper but in practice.

As the doctors’ strike in Kolkata continues into its second week, causing significant disruptions for patients, the Supreme Court’s intervention is seen as a crucial step towards addressing the safety concerns of healthcare professionals and ensuring justice for the victim.