In a significant move, the Supreme Court has instructed the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to create a portal for stakeholders to submit suggestions related to the tragic rape and murder of a doctor at RG Kar Medical College Hospital in Kolkata. This directive comes as part of the Court’s efforts to ensure thorough and inclusive handling of the case by the Task Force committee.
The Supreme Court, in its earlier orders, had directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the State of West Bengal to file status reports regarding the progress of the investigation by August 22, 2024. The focus has been not only on the crime itself but also on the acts of vandalism that occurred at the hospital following the incident.
A three-judge bench, including Chief Justice Dr. DY Chandrachud, Justice JB Pardiwala, and Justice Manoj Misra, emphasized the importance of allowing peaceful protests in response to the incident. The Court underscored that no punitive action should be taken against doctors or others who choose to protest, stressing the need for maintaining order while respecting the rights of those affected.
In addition, the Court called on all States and Union Territories to prevent any potential violence at medical establishments. The Bench appealed to doctors to resume their duties, assuring them that no coercive measures would be taken against those who participated in protests. The Justices also urged against the politicization of the situation, affirming that the law would be upheld to ensure justice.
The Supreme Court outlined that it intends to go beyond mere guidelines by issuing enforceable directives to ensure that the Task Force’s recommendations are implemented by State governments and hospitals under the Union government’s authority. However, the Court chose not to issue any orders regarding state-provided security at private hospitals.
Furthermore, the Court directed the Secretary of the Health Ministry to collaborate with the Chief Secretaries of the States and the Directors General of Police to guarantee the safety of doctors willing to return to work. A meeting was ordered to be held within a week, with the expectation that remedial measures would be taken by the States within two weeks.
