‘Can’t wait for another rape’: Supreme Court Criticizes Inaction After Kolkata Doctor’s Murder
News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/20th August 2024
In a powerful statement, Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud highlighted the urgent need for institutional safety reforms following the tragic rape and murder of a doctor in Kolkata. The case, which has sparked widespread outrage, led the Supreme Court to take a strong stance, emphasizing that the country cannot afford to wait for another such horrific incident before implementing necessary changes.
CJI Chandrachud’s remarks came during a hearing on the brutal crime committed against a trainee doctor at a state-run hospital in Kolkata. The doctor, who had sought some rest during a grueling 36-hour shift, was raped and murdered in the seminar hall of the RG Kar Hospital. The incident, which has shaken the medical community, underscored the vulnerabilities faced by healthcare professionals, particularly women, in their workplaces.
The Chief Justice pointed out that current laws do not adequately address the safety standards needed to protect doctors and medical workers within institutions. He emphasized that the existing legal framework is insufficient in preventing such crimes, especially against women, who are disproportionately targeted due to deep-seated patriarchal biases. As more women join the workforce, CJI Chandrachud stressed that the nation must act swiftly to ensure their safety and equality, rather than waiting for another tragedy to spur action.
In response to the incident, the Supreme Court took suo moto cognizance and formed a 10-member task force to develop a national protocol aimed at ensuring the safety and well-being of doctors across the country. This task force, which includes prominent medical professionals such as Vice Admiral RK Sarian, Dr. Reddy of the Asian Institute of National Gastroenterology, Dr. M Srinivas from AIIMS Delhi, and Dr. Prathima Moorthy from NIMHANS Bangalore, is tasked with formulating recommendations that will be crucial in shaping future safety policies.
The Supreme Court has called for a national consensus on the issue, urging consultations with all relevant stakeholders to ensure that the proposed measures are comprehensive and effective. The task force has been directed to submit an interim report within three weeks, with a final report expected within two months. The involvement of high-ranking officials, including the Cabinet Secretary and Home Secretary as ex-officio members, underscores the seriousness with which the Supreme Court is approaching this matter.
The Court also addressed the ongoing protests by doctors in West Bengal, advising the state government to refrain from using its powers against those demonstrating for better safety conditions. The Supreme Court assured the medical community that their concerns are being taken seriously, and urged doctors to return to work while the task force carries out its mandate.
This tragic case has highlighted the critical need for systemic changes to protect those who serve in the healthcare sector. As the task force begins its work, the nation watches closely, hoping that the measures developed will prevent future tragedies and create a safer working environment for all medical professionals. The Supreme Court’s intervention serves as a reminder that ensuring the safety of women in the workplace is not just a legal obligation but a moral imperative, one that cannot be delayed.
