Kolkata Doctor Murder: Supreme Court Asks Protesting Doctors To Return To Work (image-X/DrDatta_AIIMS)
While hearing the suo moto case taken on the brutal rape-murder of a trainee doctor in Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, the Supreme Court, on Monday, asked the protesting doctors to resume their duties by 5pm tomorrow. The court added that failing the same, the state government will be authorized to initiate disciplinary action against them.
The bench, comprising Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud and Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, stated that if the doctors return by the stipulated time, “all complaints on safety and security shall be promptly attended to.” The directive followed after Kapil Sibal, senior advocate, told the court that 23 individuals died due to lack of proper medical treatment.
Read Also: CBI Rules Out Gang-Rape, Sanjay Roy Lone Accused In Kolkata Case: Report
Additionally, the court also ordered the state government to address the concerns raised by the protesting doctors and ensure their safety. the top court suggested to install CCTV cameras, establish washrooms and other necessary structural improvements.
The apex court also asked the Mamata Banerjee-led government to produce the challan which was sent with the body for post-mortem. The bench observed that the document would have entries regarding the articles and materials sent with the body.
The direction was passed after it was pointed out that the clothes of the deceased were not sealed and sent to the post-mortem team at the time of autopsy. The bench directed the State to produce the same on the next hearing. “…there is no reference of this challan when the dead body is sent for examination. You need to explain, if this document is missing, then something is amiss,” observed Justice B. Pardiwala, as quoted by Live Law.
Read Also: Jawhar Sircar Quits As MP Citing Corruption, ‘Faulty Handling’ Of Kolkata Rape-Murder Case
Taking in account of the status reports filed by the CBI and the Kolkata Police, the top court asked the former to file a fresh status report highlighting the new developments and posted the matter for September 17.
