Supreme Court Scrutinizes Delays in Kolkata Doctor’s Rape and Murder Case, Calls for Immediate Reforms
New Delhi: On August 20, the Supreme Court of India began hearing the high-profile case concerning the rape and murder of a 31-year-old postgraduate trainee doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College. The three-judge bench, led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) D.Y. Chandrachud, expressed grave concerns over the procedural delays and lack of immediate action in the case, questioning whether the nation was waiting for further incidents before implementing necessary reforms.
The court questioned the West Bengal government about the delays and the apparent procedural lapses, including the delay in filing the First Information Report (FIR) and the handling of the body. “Medical professionals, especially women doctors, have become increasingly vulnerable to violence due to ingrained patriarchal biases. The nation cannot wait for another incident to prompt change,” CJI Chandrachud stated.
The bench, also comprising Justices J.B. Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, raised questions about the safety of medical professionals, particularly female workers, and criticized the college management’s response. “Why was the FIR registered three hours after the body was handed over for cremation?” the court inquired, emphasizing the need for prompt action and transparency.
The tragic incident, which occurred on August 9, has sparked nationwide protests from the medical community. The victim’s body, found with severe injuries inside a seminar hall at the hospital, led to the arrest of a civic volunteer by the Kolkata Police. The court took suo moto cognizance of the case, highlighting systemic failures in protecting healthcare workers.
Kapil Sibal, representing the West Bengal government, defended the handling of the case, asserting that the FIR was filed promptly and an investigation was initiated with a judicial magistrate present. However, CJI Chandrachud questioned the timing of the FIR and the handling of the victim’s body, suggesting potential negligence by hospital authorities.
In response to the ongoing issues, the Supreme Court formed a 10-member National Task Force (NTF) to develop protocols aimed at ensuring the safety and well-being of medical professionals. The court emphasized the need for a national consensus and comprehensive protocols to prevent such incidents in the future.
The next hearing in the case is scheduled for August 22, as the Supreme Court continues to seek answers and advocate for systemic reforms.
