Wednesday, 14 May 2025
Wednesday, 14 May 2025
The Supreme Court on Thursday took a stern stance on the ongoing doctors' protests across India, particularly in light of the disturbing developments at Calcutta's RG Kar Medical College. Addressing the critical need for public health infrastructure to remain functional, the apex court called on protesting doctors to return to work while ensuring that no punitive action will be taken against them once they resume their duties. From questioning delays in police investigations to directing urgent measures for the safety of healthcare professionals, the court's intervention comes at a crucial moment in the fight for justice and healthcare reform in the country.
SC urges protesting doctors to resume work
The Supreme Court urged resident doctors to return to duty while assuring them that no adverse action would be taken against them after they rejoin. A bench led by Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud highlighted the impact of their absence on the public health infrastructure, stating, "How will public health infrastructure run if the doctors do not work?" The court promised to prevail upon authorities to ensure no punitive measures against the doctors once they return to work.
'Extremely disturbing' delay in registering unnatural death
The Supreme Court expressed its concern over the delay in registering the information regarding the victim's unnatural death at RG Kar Medical College. Justice Pardiwala noted, "This is extremely disturbing," questioning why it took from 6:10 p.m., when the post-mortem was conducted, until 11:30 p.m. to register the unnatural death with the Tala police. The court asked for clarification in the next hearing.
CBI alleges cover-up
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the CBI, informed the Supreme Court that the Kolkata police had delayed registering the FIR until after the victim had been cremated. "The most shocking fact is that the FIR was registered at 11:45 p.m. after the postgraduate medic was cremated," Mehta said. He added that the victim’s friend suspected a cover-up and insisted on videography during the post-mortem, further raising concerns about the police's conduct.
SC demands action on doctors' safety
Acknowledging the seriousness of the doctors' protests, the Supreme Court directed the Centre and state governments to take urgent steps to ensure the safety of healthcare professionals. "Justice and medicine cannot be stopped," the bench remarked, issuing a slew of directions on doctors' safety. The National Task Force (NTF) was instructed to consider all stakeholder suggestions in formulating a national protocol for the protection of healthcare workers.
Don’t politicise RG Kar rape-murder, says SC
The Supreme Court urged political parties not to politicise the RG Kar rape-murder case. Addressing a submission by Solicitor General Mehta, which cited inflammatory remarks from both sides of the political spectrum, the court said, "Do not politicise the situation. Across the political spectrum, parties have to realise that law will take its course." The bench reiterated that justice should be allowed to take its natural course without interference.
Calls for calm, directs no adverse action against doctors
The court made an appeal for calm among protesting doctors, urging them to resume their duties and assuring them that no adverse action would be taken. "Let there be no coercive action against doctors after they come back to work," the bench said. Highlighting the national importance of healthcare, the court said, "We are here to ensure that their safety and protection is the matter of highest national concern."
Criticises Kolkata police for probe lapses
The Supreme Court came down heavily on the Kolkata police for "lapses" in their investigation into the RG Kar case. The bench expressed its surprise that the post-mortem was conducted before the unnatural death was officially recorded, asking why the FIR was lodged almost 14 hours after the discovery of the body. The court demanded answers from the West Bengal government regarding the role of Dr. Sandip Ghosh, the former principal of RG Kar Medical College.
Slide 8: AIIMS doctors call off strike, but Calcutta doctors continue protest
Resident doctors at AIIMS Nagpur called off their strike following the Supreme Court's assurances. However, doctors in Calcutta have vowed to continue their agitation over the handling of the RG Kar case, NDTV reported on its website. The court’s intervention has brought temporary relief, but the protests in Kolkata highlight unresolved tensions and concerns over justice and safety for doctors across the nation.
