The Supreme Court is set to hear a crucial case on Monday regarding the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. This hearing follows widespread protests and demands for justice from junior doctors across West Bengal.
Background of the Case
The incident, which occurred on August 9, involved the rape and murder of a 31-year-old trainee doctor found dead in the seminar room of the hospital. The main accused, Sanjay Roy, was arrested by the Kolkata police after CCTV footage and other evidence linked him to the crime. The case was later transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) by the High Court.
The tragic event sparked massive protests across the country, with junior doctors in West Bengal leading the agitation. They had been on a 41-day cease-work protest demanding justice for the victim and improved security measures at their workplaces.
Supreme Court Hearing
A bench led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, along with Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, will hear the case. The Supreme Court had previously reviewed a report from the CBI, describing it as 'disturbing' and emphasizing the need for adequate time to 'unearth the truth' in the ongoing investigation.
During the previous hearing on September 17, the court expressed concern over certain lapses by the Kolkata police and urged the protesting doctors to resume their duties. The court also took exception to an advisory issued by the West Bengal government to avoid night duty for women doctors, stating that equal work opportunities cannot be denied under the guise of protection.
Protests and Demands
Junior doctors from various government hospitals, along with members of the public, participated in torch rallies across Kolkata on Sunday. These rallies were organized by the West Bengal Junior Doctors' Front and took place at several locations, including RG Kar Hospital, Sagore Dutta Hospital, SSKM Hospital, Calcutta Medical College, and Jadavpur in south Kolkata.
The doctors are demanding justice for the victim and calling for enhanced security measures at their workplaces. They have also highlighted the need to end a 'threat culture' in medical colleges, where students reportedly face intimidation and other forms of harassment.
The renewed protests were sparked after an alleged assault on three doctors and three nurses at Sagore Dutta Hospital, which the medics claimed demonstrated the government's failure to provide promised security. The doctors have threatened to resume a full-fledged strike if the government fails to take positive measures to strengthen security in hospitals and improve hospital infrastructure.
Government Response
The West Bengal government has assured junior doctors that no adverse or punitive action would be taken against those who return to work. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has also assured the doctors of their safety and security.
Kolkata Police Commissioner Manoj Verma visited RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on Sunday to take stock of the security system and speak to the police personnel present there, ahead of the Supreme Court hearing.
