New Delhi: The Supreme Court delivered a sharp rebuke to the West Bengal government on Tuesday over the handling of the rape and murder case involving a 31-year-old trainee doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The court expressed deep concern over the delay in filing the First Information Report (FIR) and the lack of action against the former principal of the college.
Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, leading a three-judge bench, questioned why there was a three-hour delay in registering the FIR after the deceased’s body was handed over for cremation at 8:30 PM. “What were the principal and the hospital board doing during this time?” CJI Chandrachud inquired.
The Chief Justice criticized the handling of the case, alleging that the principal initially attempted to classify the death as a suicide and that the victim’s family was not allowed to view the body. The FIR was not filed promptly, adding to the concerns surrounding the case.
Government counsel Kabil Sibal contested the claims, asserting that the FIR was filed immediately and that the information presented was incorrect. The Supreme Court, which had taken suo-motu cognizance of the matter, also scrutinized the state’s decision to reappoint Dr. Sandip Ghosh as principal of Calcutta National Medical College shortly after his resignation from RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.
The Calcutta High Court had previously directed a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into the case and advised Dr. Ghosh to take leave. The Supreme Court has now taken over the case and has instructed the CBI to submit a report by Thursday, August 22, the date of the next hearing.
Additionally, the court has mandated the state to provide a report on the investigation into the vandalism of RG Kar Hospital, which occurred on the night of August 14-15. This incident followed widespread protests across the state, demanding justice for the victim, identified as Tillotama.
In response to the rising violence against medical professionals, the Supreme Court has established a National Task Force composed of leading doctors to propose measures for enhancing doctors’ safety. The task force is required to submit an interim report within three weeks and a final report within two months.
CJI Chandrachud emphasized the urgent need for systemic change, stating, “The medical profession has become increasingly vulnerable to violence. With more women joining the workforce, the nation cannot wait for another tragedy to prompt action.”
The Supreme Court also criticized the state administration for its alleged failure to prevent the vandalism at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The court questioned why police were not aware of the planned protest by 7,000 individuals, as revealed by Kolkata Police. Although over 30 arrests have been made, the police have been accused of inaction during the rampage.
In light of the ongoing protests and strikes by junior doctors, particularly in West Bengal, the Supreme Court has urged students to resume their duties to prevent further disruption of the medical system. Demonstrations continue across Kolkata and neighboring districts, with a unified call for justice for Tillotama.
