Today(23rd Sept), The Supreme Court announced it will hear a suo motu case on October 1 regarding the rape and murder of a resident doctor at RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata, amidst ongoing protests by doctors in West Bengal. During proceedings, the bench requested the case, originally scheduled for September 27, be postponed for urgent reasons.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!
NEW DELHI: Today(23rd Sept), The Supreme Court of India has scheduled a hearing for October 1 regarding a Suo motu case it has initiated in response to the tragic rape and murder of a resident doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata. This decision comes amidst widespread protests by the medical community in West Bengal, demanding justice for the deceased and urgent reforms in safety protocols.
During the proceedings, a bench consisting of Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and Justice JB Pardiwala was approached by a counsel representing one of the parties involved. The counsel requested that the case, initially listed for hearing on September 27, be postponed to the following week due to pressing reasons.
In response, Chief Justice Chandrachud stated-
“We will list it on hearing on next Tuesday that is October 1.”
On September 17, the Supreme Court expressed its distress regarding the findings presented in a status report by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) related to the rape and murder case. However, the court refrained from disclosing specific details, emphasizing that any revelation could compromise the ongoing investigation.
The court remarked-
“What the CBI has revealed in the report is really disturbing. “What you are highlighting is of great concern to us. We share your worries, and the CBI has brought this to our attention. We are disturbed by the information we have reviewed.”
In addition to addressing the murder case, the Supreme Court has also called for a status report from the CBI concerning financial irregularities linked to Sandip Ghosh, the former principal of RG Kar Medical College, who is currently in custody.
The court has acknowledged the ongoing protests by junior doctors in West Bengal and urged them to resume their duties, while also recording the state government’s assurance that no punitive measures would be taken against them.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the CBI, confirmed that the agency would maintain regular communication with the parents of the deceased doctor, promising to keep them updated about the investigation to alleviate their genuine concerns.
The distressing incident leading to this case began on August 9, when the body of the resident doctor was discovered with severe injury marks. The following day, Kolkata Police apprehended a civic volunteer in connection with the case.
Subsequently, on August 13, the Calcutta High Court mandated that the investigation be transferred from the Kolkata Police to the CBI, which commenced its probe on August 14.
Recognizing the importance of familial insights, the Supreme Court took note of a letter from the father of the deceased doctor. The court directed that the “valuable” inputs provided by him should be considered carefully by the investigating officer.
