The Supreme Court took suo motu cognizance of the Kolkata rape-murder case, addressing several serious concerns during the hearing on Tuesday,. The session was presided over by a bench headed by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud.
Need for a national protocol stressed
The court noted that the crime was detected within the initial hours. However, there were troubling indications that the principal of the medical college attempted to label the incident as a suicide. The court further highlighted the grueling working conditions faced by young doctors, with many working 36-hour shifts. In light of this, the justices emphasized the need for a national protocol to ensure a safe working environment for medical professionals.
Women are being deprived of their fundamental right to equality
The court underscored the importance of workplace safety for women. The judges said that if women are unable to work safely, they are being deprived of their fundamental right to equality. The court also expressed concern that the name of the victim has been printed everywhere in the media.
Accountability of RG Kar Hospital
A significant point of concern was the immediate appointment of the principal of RG Kar Hospital to another college, despite ongoing investigations into his conduct. The Supreme Court questioned this decision and raised serious concerns about the role of the Kolkata Police, particularly how a crowd of thousands was able to enter the RG Kar Medical College without any intervention.
Delayed registration of the FIR
The court reprimanded the West Bengal government for the delayed registration of the FIR in the case, questioning the hospital administration's actions during the incident. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta argued that the law and order situation in the state had completely collapsed, noting that a crowd of 7,000 people could not have entered the hospital without the knowledge of the Kolkata Police.
Formation of a Task Force
In response to these issues, the Supreme Court established a 10-member task force to develop a national protocol aimed at ensuring the safety and well-being of doctors. Additionally, the court ordered the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to provide a status report on the investigation into the rape-murder case. The West Bengal government was also directed to submit a report on the mob attack at RG Kar Hospital. The next hearing is scheduled for August 22.
Expectations from the State Govt
The Supreme Court expressed disappointment over the West Bengal government's failure to maintain law and order and secure the site of the incident. The justices instructed the state to ensure that the perpetrators of the attack on RG Kar Hospital are apprehended and that an FIR is filed against them.
(Prakash Pandey)
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