SC asks doctors to return to work by 5pm tomorrow
The Supreme Court on Monday ordered the doctors protesting against the rape and murder of a trainee doctor in Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital to return to work by 5:00pm on Tuesday. The court warned that if they fail to comply, it cannot prevent the West Bengal government from taking disciplinary action against them. During the suo moto hearing of the case, the court was informed that 23 people died and 6,000 were affected due to the strike.
Why does this story matter?
Doctors at RG Kar Medical College have been protesting since the August 9 rape and murder of a trainee doctor at the hospital. The victim's body was discovered in the seminar hall with severe injuries, and a civic volunteer was arrested the following day. The case faced delays, prompting the Supreme Court on August 22 to criticize the Kolkata Police for their slow investigation. On August 13, the Calcutta High Court transferred the case to the Central Bureau of Investigation.
SC assures no punitive action if doctors resume work
Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud assured the protesting doctors that no adverse action would be taken against them if they return to work by the specified deadline. He said, "We want to ensure that doctors resume work and we will give them safety, security...but they have to join work." "When we said that no adverse action shall be taken against the doctors...Mr (Kapil) Sibal states that no action, including punitive transfers, should be there," he said.
All complaints will be attended to: SC
When the doctors' lawyer said they needed three days, the CJI said he was already giving them two days. "If the doctors report for duty...no adverse disciplinary action shall be taken...All complaints on safety and security shall be promptly attended to. However, if there is continuous abstaining from work then disciplinary action can be taken...they cannot be oblivious to the general concerns of the community whom they are intended to serve," he said, according to Bar and Bench.
SC directs West Bengal government to ensure doctors' safety
CJI Chandrachud also directed the West Bengal government to take steps that would instill confidence in the protesting doctors regarding their safety. He stated, "District collectors and police chiefs shall take a look into the situation and ensure necessary conditions are created for ensuring safety and security of doctors of government medical colleges and hospitals." These measures include creating restrooms for male and female doctors, installing CCTVs, among others.