The petitioners, including a doctor and a social worker, have cited multiple reports suggesting the existence of a “threat culture” in these institutions, involving the sale of exam answer keys, bribery, corruption, and abuse, including sexual harassment of medical students and junior doctors.
KOLKATA: The Calcutta High Court today (27th Sept) ordered the West Bengal government to submit an affidavit addressing allegations raised in a PIL concerning serious issues in state-run medical colleges.
The petitioners, including a doctor and a social worker, have cited multiple reports suggesting the existence of a “threat culture” in these institutions, involving the sale of exam answer keys, bribery, corruption, and abuse, including sexual harassment of medical students and junior doctors.
The petitioners also referred to a “north Bengal lobby” that allegedly influences transfers and promotions.
A division bench led by Chief Justice T.S. Sivagnanam, with Justice Bivas Pattanayak, remarked that if any of the accusations are proven true, the situation would be of significant concern.
Justice T S Sivagnanam observed, “If any one or more are found to be correct, the matter is a very serious issue.”
The court has instructed the National Medical Commission and the West Bengal Medical Council, both parties to the PIL, to provide their inputs and scheduled the next hearing for November 21.
The petitioners requested the court to order an investigation into the alleged threat nexus syndicate by forming a Special Investigation Team (SIT) headed by a former judge of the Calcutta High Court.
The bench, which also included Justice Bivas Pattanayak, instructed the National Medical Commission and the West Bengal Medical Council, both respondents in the PIL, to provide their input on the matter.
The petitioners requested the court to initiate an investigation into the alleged threat nexus by establishing a Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by a former judge of the Calcutta High Court. They also sought the preservation of all records, including electronic data, held at the medical colleges and hospitals.
Additionally, the petitioners presented the court with names of individuals they identified as leaders of the nexus, alleging that the government has transferred some of them to other hospitals and suspended others.
