Supreme Court to hear Kolkata rape-murder case today as doctors continue protest

The Supreme Court will hear the doctor’s plea regarding the gruesome rape and murder of a 31-year-old trainee doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital today.

A bench led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, which had taken cognisance of the incident, kept the matter on top of the cause list for the hearing at 10:30 am.

The suo motu cognisance of the case holds particular significance as it comes while the Calcutta High Court is already involved in the case. The High Court has also transferred the probe to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

The Kolkata rape and murder case has brought to light several critical concerns, including the integrity of evidence, adherence to the rule of law, and the safety of healthcare professionals and women in the workplace. The incident has also cast a shadow over the ruling Trinamool Congress, as the victim’s parents have openly questioned Mamata Banerjee regarding the Kolkata police’s handling of the investigation.

With the matter in the apex court, it is expected that it may widen the spectrum of judicial scrutiny while keeping in mind the nationwide strike spearheaded by doctors.

The Federation of Residents of Doctors Association (FORDA) moved an intervention plea and has demanded that central forces be deployed to protect the staff of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital until the probe is completed.

FORDA has also demanded that the apex court issue a guideline in light of the current guidelines with respect to health professionals.

The Delhi Medical Association moved the Supreme Court, seeking to be made a party in the suo-motu case connected to the Kolkata rape and murder case.

The Delhi Medical Association has sought to constitute a panel led by a former Supreme Court judge to “prepare a module or scheme for the protection of doctors and medical service personnel against any violence in hospitals and public healthcare centers”.

In the plea, the Delhi Medical Association has also urged the Supreme Court to provide a direction for mandatory filing of an FIR within 24 hours of such incidents taking place in the vicinity of the premises or premises of such healthcare institutions.

The Delhi Medical Association has also sought a direction to create “compensation distress fund for the healthcare victim or the family members of the deceased victim”.

The gruesome rape and murder of the postgraduate trainee doctor at the state-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital have triggered a nationwide strike, with doctors demanding a Central Protection Law for the safety of healthcare professionals.

West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose on Monday said that the rape-murder case of a postgraduate trainee doctor in Kolkata had been mishandled.