The Supreme Court on Tuesday came down heavily on the West Bengal government and hospital authorities over their handling of the Kolkata rape and murder case. Chief Justice DY Chandrachud said that the nation cannot wait for another tragedy to prompt necessary reforms. He stressed the need for systemic changes following the brutal assault and murder of a 31-year-old doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9.
The Supreme Court has taken suo moto cognizance of the case. Chief Justice Chandrachud pulled up the hospital’s administration and local police over procedural lapses in handling the case.
Ahead of the Supreme Court proceedings, Trinamool Congress MP Sagarika Ghose highlighted the measures her government has implemented to ensure women’s safety in Bengal.
“Today the #RGKarHospital rape and murder case comes before the Supreme Court. A young life so tragically lost. My dear girl. My dear, dear girl, our ‘Tilottama’. May you rest in eternal peace. The monster Sanjay Roy who took your life will get the harshest punishment. And the Bengal government with its new Rattirer Shaathi protocol stands like a sentinel for the protection of all women on the night shift so that this NEVER happens again. Justice above all. #RattirerSaathi,” Ghose posted this morning.
What is the “Rattirer Saathi” program?
In response to widespread protests following the rape and murder of the trainee postgraduate doctor, the West Bengal government introduced the “Rattirer Saathi” initiative. This program aims to bolster the safety and security of women working during night shifts. It includes the establishment of safe zones equipped with comprehensive CCTV surveillance, the deployment of women volunteers at night, and the introduction of special mobile applications with alarm features linked to local police stations.
The initiative also includes rigorous security protocols, such as breathalyser tests at hospitals and medical colleges, and the provision of designated restrooms and drinking water facilities on every hospital floor. To further increase security, night police patrols will be instituted at medical colleges, hospitals, and women’s hostels.
The government has mandated that all faculty, staff, and security personnel display their identity cards prominently. Security guards at medical institutions will be directly overseen by the police, and shifts for women doctors are limited to 12 hours.
The government also plans to develop a mobile app featuring alarm capabilities that women can use to alert local police in emergencies. The initiative encourages employees at both state and private establishments to form two-member teams during night shifts to ensure mutual vigilance. There is also a recommendation to maintain a balance of male and female security staff at workplaces.
Meanwhile, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) has also reached out to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging him to address the issue. The IMA has called for the implementation of the Healthcare Services Personnel and Clinical Establishments (Prohibition of Violence and Damage to Property) Bill, 2019, also known as the Central Protection Act, to enhance protections for healthcare workers.
