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SC Questions Lapses in Doctors rape and Murder
On August 20, 2024, the Supreme Court of India began hearings on the shocking rape and murder of a 31-year-old postgraduate trainee doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College. The incident has sparked nationwide outrage and raised critical concerns about the safety of medical professionals, particularly women, in their workplaces. The three-member bench, led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) D Y Chandrachud, sharply questioned the procedural lapses in the investigation and emphasized the urgent need for systemic changes to protect healthcare workers.
Supreme Court Takes Up the Case
The Apex Court took suo moto cognizance of the case, reflecting its gravity and the widespread public concern it has generated. The incident occurred on August 9, 2024, when the doctor’s body was discovered in the seminar hall of the hospital’s chest department, bearing severe injury marks. A civic volunteer was arrested by the Kolkata Police the following day in connection with the case.
Systemic Failures Highlighted by the Court
During the hearing, CJI Chandrachud questioned the apparent delays and other procedural lapses in the investigation. The court expressed deep concern over the three-hour delay in registering the First Information Report (FIR) after the body was handed over for cremation.
The bench also addressed the broader issue of violence against medical professionals, particularly women, noting that ingrained patriarchal biases make female doctors especially vulnerable. “Medical professions have become vulnerable to violence. Due to ingrained patriarchal biases, women doctors are targeted more. As more and more women join the workforce, the nation cannot wait for another rape for things to change on the ground,” CJI Chandrachud remarked.
Delays and Lapses Questioned
One of the most troubling aspects of the case was the delay in filing the FIR. The Supreme Court bench, which also included Justices J B Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, questioned why the FIR was registered only three hours after the body was handed over for cremation. This delay, coupled with the fact that the body was initially handed over to the parents without an FIR being filed, raised serious questions about the handling of the case by both the hospital administration and the police as SC Questions Lapses in Doctors rape and Murder.
The court’s pointed questioning underscores the need for a transparent and efficient investigation to ensure justice is served.
Government’s Response
Representing the West Bengal government, senior advocate Kapil Sibal defended the actions taken, stating that the FIR was filed immediately and a case of unnatural death was registered. He also mentioned that the college established an investigation almost immediately, with a board set up under the supervision of a judicial magistrate. However, the Supreme Court remained skeptical, questioning the timing and the apparent attempts to downplay the severity of the crime.
The court stressed the importance of a national consensus on protocols for the safety and protection of medical professionals. It announced the formation of a 10-member National Task Force (NTF) to develop these protocols, ensuring that healthcare workers are safeguarded against such incidents in the future. The next hearing in this crucial case is scheduled for August 22, 2024.
Systemic Issues and Future Implications
The Kolkata doctor’s rape and murder case has exposed significant systemic failures in the protection of medical professionals in India. The Supreme Court’s strong stance highlights the urgent need for reforms, particularly in ensuring the safety of women in the healthcare sector. With the court now actively involved, there is hope that this case will lead to meaningful changes that prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.
Disclaimer:
The information provided in this article is based on the latest available reports and court proceedings. Readers are advised to follow further updates as the case progresses.
