The Supreme Court has deferred the hearing of the R G Kar rape and murder case, as Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud will not be presiding today(5th september). This postponement has triggered widespread protests in Kolkata, with demonstrators calling for immediate justice for the victim.
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NEW DELHI: The highly anticipated Supreme Court hearing regarding the R G Kar rape and murder case, scheduled for today(5th September), has likely been postponed. This is due to the Chief Justice of India (CJI) D Y Chandrachud not presiding over court today. The case, which has ignited nationwide protests and drawn attention from various political leaders, was set to be heard by the bench led by the CJI. However, a notification from the Supreme Court announced the cancellation of the hearing.
Postponed Hearing Due to Chief Justice’s Absence
A notification issued by the Supreme Court stated-
“The Hon’ble Chief Justice of India will not be presiding over the court on 05.09.2024 (Thursday). Consequently, the session for the Chief Justice’s Court, including Hon’ble the Chief Justice, Hon’ble Mr. Justice J.B. Pardiwala, and Hon’ble Mr. Justice Manoj Misra, has been cancelled, and the cases scheduled before this Bench will not be heard.”
While the notification clarified the reason for the cancellation, it did not specify when the matter would be listed next. This has left many awaiting justice in the R G Kar case uncertain about the timeline for the next court hearing.
Political Leaders Voice Frustration
Amidst this delay, BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari took to social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter) to express his frustration. He referenced a famous line from the Bollywood movie Damini, starring Sunny Deol, posting “Taarikh pe Taarikh” (meaning “date after date”). The line in the movie reflects the prolonged fight for justice by the protagonist, resonating with the current situation where the family and supporters of the victim continue to seek justice.
ALSO READ: Chief Justice DY Chandrachud Admits ‘Date Pe Date’ Wastes Court Time
Protests Continue in Kolkata
While the Supreme Court postpones its hearing, protests and public gatherings in Kolkata have intensified. On Wednesday night, hundreds of people from various sectors, including students, activists, and the medical community, gathered across the city to demand a swift investigation into the heinous crime and the immediate arrest of those responsible. The woman, a doctor at the state-run R G Kar Medical College and Hospital, was brutally raped and murdered, sparking widespread outrage.
The protesters held banners and lit candles, with one of the key demands being the accountability of the authorities in ensuring justice. Kolkata has become the epicenter of these demonstrations, with the public calling for immediate action from both the judiciary and law enforcement.
Indian Medical Association Urges Doctors to Return to Work
The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has also played a significant role in addressing the aftermath of the crime, particularly as the victim was a doctor. IMA President Dr. R V Asokan, on Wednesday, made a public appeal to the medical community, urging doctors to resume their duties while trusting the judiciary to handle the case.
He acknowledged the outrage, stating-
“The anger and frustration of the entire nation is over the fact that victim was a promising young doctor and the sole daughter of a lower-middle-class family. The entire country has embraced her as if she were their own daughter.”
Dr. Asokan further commented on the ongoing protests by the medical fraternity, noting that they were “justifiably on the boil” due to the nature of the crime and the circumstances surrounding the victim.
Medical Fraternity Expresses Grief and Anger
The medical community, especially resident doctors, has taken to the streets in protest, demonstrating their grief and anger over the tragic incident. Resident doctors marched with placards and posters, reflecting their deep sorrow for their fellow medical professional and their demands for justice. Dr. Asokan emphasized that while the protests are understandable, the IMA has also called for the suspension of non-emergency medical services for 24 hours as a mark of solidarity.
This temporary withdrawal of services highlights the collective mourning and frustration within the medical community, which continues to play a crucial role in the fight for justice in the R G Kar case.
Supreme Court’s Suo Motu Response
In response to the growing unrest, the Supreme Court has taken suo motu cognisance of the situation and formed a National Task Force. The primary objective of this task force is to create a robust protocol to ensure the safety and security of doctors and other healthcare professionals across the country. The need for such a protocol has become increasingly evident, as the incident at R G Kar Medical College and Hospital underscores the vulnerabilities faced by those in the healthcare sector.
This move by the Supreme Court aims to address broader concerns about the safety of doctors and healthcare workers in India, especially in the wake of rising instances of violence against medical professionals. The formation of the task force reflects the urgency of ensuring that medical practitioners can work without fear of harassment or harm.
