Today(on 22nd August),Chief Justice DY Chandrachud corrected his pronunciation of “Kar” in RG Kar Medical College’s name after Justice Hrishikesh Roy pointed out the mistake. This occurred during a session on the rape and murder case involving a 31-year-old doctor.
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NEW DELHI: Today(on 22nd August), Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud made a correction regarding the pronunciation of “Kar” in RG Kar Medical College and Hospital‘s name. The Chief Justice admitted that he had been mistakenly pronouncing “Kar” as “Kaar” until Supreme Court Judge, Justice Hrishikesh Roy, brought the error to his attention. This correction took place during a session focused on the horrifying rape and murder of a 31-year-old doctor at the Kolkata-based hospital.
The session began with an advocate representing junior doctors working at the state-run hospital. During her presentation, the Chief Justice interjected to share the correction, stating-
“Justice Hrishikesh Roy pointed out to me that I had been saying ‘Kaar’ instead of ‘Kar.’ I apologize for the mistake.”
Historical Context of RG Kar Medical College
The RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, a prominent institution in North Kolkata, has a rich history dating back to 1886. It was originally established as the Calcutta School of Medicine by the eminent Indian physician Radha Gobinda Kar. Initially, the institution did not have an associated hospital or even a campus. It wasn’t until 1902 that the college secured its own building. In 1916, the college was renamed Belgachia Medical College, and two years later, it was renamed Carmichael Medical College in honor of Bengal’s Governor at the time, Thomas Gibson-Carmichael. After India gained independence, the college was renamed once again to honor its founder, Dr. Radha Gobinda Kar. Eventually, the management of the hospital was taken over by the West Bengal government.
The Gruesome Incident at RG Kar Medical College
The RG Kar Medical College made national headlines after a tragic incident on August 9, where a 31-year-old postgraduate trainee doctor was found dead in the hospital’s seminar hall. Medical examinations later confirmed that the doctor had been sexually assaulted, leading to nationwide outrage.
The shocking event has sparked protests across the country, with doctors taking to the streets to demand swift justice and safer working conditions. The protests have significantly impacted healthcare services across India, highlighting the urgent need for systemic reforms in the medical field.
Supreme Court Response and National Task Force Initiative
In response to the outcry, the Supreme Court has taken a proactive approach by establishing a National Task Force. This body is tasked with recommending steps to improve the working conditions for healthcare professionals, who are often subjected to extreme workloads and unsafe environments.
During today’s hearing, an advocate representing a group of doctors highlighted the grueling conditions under which medical professionals operate, sometimes working for as long as 36 hours without rest.
Chief Justice Chandrachud, acknowledging the issue, remarked-
“Please assure the doctors that we are aware of their 36-hour shifts. I have personally slept on the floor of a public hospital when a family member was ill.”
