The Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, expressed urgent concern over the handling of a rape and murder case at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, emphasizing that the country cannot afford to delay reforms aimed at protecting women, especially in medical professions. The remarks were made during a hearing about the incident that occurred on August 9, involving a 31-year-old female doctor, which has since sparked national outrage and debates over safety in medical institutions.
Supreme Court On Kolkata Doctor’s Rape, Murder
The court criticized the West Bengal government and the hospital authorities for procedural failures, including the delayed filing of the FIR. The justices highlighted the vulnerability of medical professionals to violence, particularly women, due to persistent patriarchal biases, stressing the immediate need for changes to ensure their safety. Chief Justice Chandrachud questioned the actions of the hospital’s administration and local police, particularly why there was a significant delay in registering the FIR and why it took hours after the body was discovered to do so. He also inquired about the role of the hospital’s principal during the crisis, especially why the body was handed over late to the victim’s family and the apparent lack of prompt action to secure and investigate the crime scene.
The case has led to the resignation of Sandip Ghosh, the principal of RG Kar Medical College, who has since been under intense investigation by the CBI. Despite nearly 53 hours of questioning, concerns remain regarding his and the institution’s response immediately following the incident.
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In defence, Kapil Sibal, representing the West Bengal government, argued that hospital staff had promptly reported an unnatural death and that measures were taken, including the formation of a board with a judicial magistrate. However, the Supreme Court maintained that it was primarily the hospital’s responsibility to file the FIR immediately, noting the absence of the victim’s parents to do so.