The Supreme Court on Tuesday, while hearing a plea related to the rape-murder case of a doctor in Kolkata, ordered the formation of a ‘National Task Force’ to address the safety of medical professionals in hospitals.
The task force will submit interim report within three weeks and final report within two months.
The apex court said it took suo motu cognizance of the case as it raises systemic issues regarding the safety of doctors across India.
A three-judge bench led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, along with Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, while hearing the suo motu case concerning the rape and murder of a doctor at RG Kar Medical College Hospital, Kolkata, expressed deep concerns about the safety of doctors nationwide.
"We are deeply concerned that the name, photo, and video clip of the Kolkata rape victim were published everywhere. The law prohibits publishing victims' names. Is this how we provide dignity to the young doctor who has lost her life?" the bench stated.
The CJI mentioned the vandalism incident and ordered the CBI to file a status report and update the Court on the progress of the investigation.
"We are setting up a National Task Force and expect them to provide recommendations on the safety measures that should be implemented across the country for both senior and junior doctors," said the CJI.
Criticising the Mamata Banerjee government, the CJI stated, "Let the power of the state of West Bengal not be unleashed on the protestors."
"Nation cannot wait for another rape for things to change on ground," the Court further added.
Next hearing
The Court has directed CBI to file a status report on the investigation in case before August 22. The bench asked Kolkata police to file a status report on the investigation into acts of vandalism in the hospital. The Supreme Court will hear the plea again on Thursday, August 22.
The heinous crime has ignited protests in various cities, with medical professionals and students leading the charge. In Kolkata, the case has prompted a wave of demonstrations, including a protest march by Calcutta High Court advocates, demanding justice for the young doctor.
Meanwhile, the Doctors at RG Kar Hospital called off their protest after ABVP also organised a protest.
"We have called off our protest march because it coincided with a political party's march. The Supreme Court will hear the case today and after that we will review the its order and then decide on how to proceed further," Doctor Aniket Mahato of RG Kar Hospital to new agency PTI.
