September 9, 2024: In a significant development in the ongoing case of the alleged rape and murder of a junior doctor at RG Kar College and Hospital in Kolkata, the Supreme Court of India has directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to submit a new status report by September 17. The directive follows a suo moto hearing into the tragic incident, which has sparked widespread protests among doctors and led to a severe healthcare crisis in the state of West Bengal.
During today’s hearing, Chief Justice of India (CJI) D.Y. Chandrachud expressed grave concerns over the progress in the investigation and sought detailed clarifications regarding the victim’s time of death and the circumstances surrounding the unnatural death entry. The CJI also mandated that all necessary requisitions and security equipment for the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) be provided without delay.
The CJI ordered the immediate removal of all photographs of the rape-murder victim from social media platforms. The West Bengal government reported that the ongoing strike by doctors had resulted in the unfortunate deaths of 23 patients due to a halted healthcare system.
In an effort to restore normalcy and ensure the safety of medical staff, the Supreme Court has instructed that district collectors and police superintendents take urgent measures to address the concerns of resident doctors. These measures include the installation of CCTV cameras, the creation of restrooms for female doctors, and other safety provisions.
The bench, comprising CJI Chandrachud, Justice J.B. Pardiwala, and Justice Manoj Misra, urged the protesting doctors to resume their duties by 5 p.m. tomorrow. The Court assured that if doctors comply by this deadline, no adverse disciplinary action would be taken against them.