SC Takes Suo Moto Cognizance: To Address Kolkata Doctor Rape-Murder Case on August 20
News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/19th August 2024
The Supreme Court of India has taken suo motu cognizance of the tragic rape and murder of a young doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The incident, which has sparked outrage and widespread protests, will be heard by a bench comprising Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud and Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra on August 20.
The victim, a postgraduate trainee doctor, was found dead in the seminar room of RG Kar Hospital on August 9. Her brutal assault and subsequent death have sent shockwaves across the nation, leading to demands for swift justice and better protection for medical professionals.
Following the discovery of the body, the Kolkata Police acted quickly, arresting a civic volunteer the day after the incident. However, concerns about the investigation’s adequacy led to the Calcutta High Court ordering the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to take over the case. The High Court expressed dissatisfaction with the progress made by the local police, emphasizing the need for a thorough and unbiased investigation.
The Supreme Court’s involvement was prompted by a letter addressed to Chief Justice Chandrachud by two Supreme Court lawyers, Ujjawal Gaur and Rohit Pandey, and a doctor from Telangana. The letter urged the highest court to take immediate action, highlighting the urgency and gravity of the situation. They emphasized that the judiciary must act decisively to ensure that justice is served, not only for the victim but also to prevent such heinous crimes in the future.
“The nation looks to the judiciary as the ultimate guardian of justice,” the letter stated, underscoring the critical role the court plays in upholding the rule of law and protecting the rights of citizens. The victim, who had dedicated her life to serving others, deserves justice, and her death should not be in vain. The letter further called for a strong message from the judiciary that such brutal crimes will not be tolerated, and that the dignity and safety of women must be protected at all costs.
In addition to this letter, another petition was submitted by Dr. Monica Singh from the Army College of Dental Sciences in Secunderabad, Telangana. This petition highlighted a disturbing trend of attacks on medical professionals, with the incident at RG Kar Medical College being a particularly alarming example. Dr. Singh’s petition called for immediate intervention by the Supreme Court, including the deployment of Central Forces to ensure the safety and security of medical institutions across the country.
The incident has also led to nationwide protests, with doctors and civil societies demanding severe punishment for the accused and stronger safety measures for those working in the medical field. The case has become a rallying point for those advocating for the protection of women and medical professionals, with many calling for systemic changes to prevent such tragedies in the future.
As the Supreme Court prepares to hear the case on August 20, the nation awaits justice for the young doctor whose life was brutally cut short. The outcome of this hearing could have far-reaching implications for how such cases are handled in the future, and how the safety of medical professionals is ensured in India.
