Today, On 30th September, In the Kolkata rape case hearing, the Supreme Court requested a progress report from the National Task Force (NTF) and rescheduled the next hearing for October 14. The Chief Justice expressed frustration over the Bengal government’s slow implementation of key safety measures, including the installation of CCTVs and the construction of toilets and separate resting rooms.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court, On Monday, instructed Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to present a comprehensive report detailing the progress of the National Task Force (NTF), which established to enhance the safety of healthcare professionals.
The hearing on this urgent matter has been postponed to October 14.
Chief Justice of India, D.Y. Chandrachud, voiced concerns regarding the West Bengal government’s progress on infrastructure upgrades, including the installation of CCTV cameras and the construction of toilets and separate resting rooms at government-run medical facilities.
While the state government indicated that the remaining work is expected to be completed by October 31, it assured the court it would make every effort to finish by October 15, 2024.
During the hearing, the Supreme Court inquired about the individuals still employed at R.G. Kar Hospital who are under investigation for alleged financial irregularities.
The bench asked the CBI counsel,
“Who are the people under probe still employed in R.G. Kar Hospital?”
Senior advocate Indira Jaising, representing the resident doctors, informed the court that despite the ongoing turmoil, these doctors continue to perform essential and emergency services. The Supreme Court also reiterated its previous order prohibiting the publication of the victim’s name and photo in the rape-murder case associated with R.G. Kar Hospital.
Advocate Vrinda Grover raised concerns about the deceased victim’s parents, stating they were distressed by social media clips that revealed their daughter’s identity. The court emphasized that it had already issued an order on this matter and reiterated that law enforcement must enforce the ban. The court clarified that the prohibition on disclosing the victim’s identity applies to all intermediaries.
As the investigation progresses, the Supreme Court noted that significant leads have emerged from the CBI’s inquiry into both the alleged rape and murder case and the financial irregularities at R.G. Kar Hospital.
In an earlier update on September 21, junior doctors partially returned to work after a 42-day strike, protesting the brutal rape and murder of a fellow doctor while she was on duty at R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital.
On September 17, the Supreme Court expressed concern over findings in a CBI status report, revealing that it was disturbed by the details. However, the court withheld specific information to protect the integrity of the ongoing investigation.
Furthermore, on September 9, the court raised concerns over the missing “challan” a crucial document for the victim’s post-mortem from the records submitted by the West Bengal government.
The court had also criticized Kolkata Police for delays in registering the unnatural death of the junior doctor, calling the situation “deeply troubling” and questioning the procedural setbacks.
Following this tragic event, which triggered widespread protests across the country, the Supreme Court formed a 10-member National Task Force to establish protocols aimed at safeguarding doctors and healthcare workers. The investigation continues, with a civic volunteer arrested shortly after the victim’s body was discovered on August 9.
As the case unfolds, the West Bengal government faces increasing pressure to take immediate action to ensure the safety and security of healthcare professionals in the state.