Read Time: 08 minutes

Synopsis

Federation of Resident Doctors Association (FORDA) has filed an application before Supreme Court of India seeking to o intervene in the suo moto case registered by the top court on the incident from August 9, 2024 where a young doctor working at a medical college in Kolkata was brutally raped and murdered.

"The FORDA is deeply concerned about the safety and security of medical professionals, particularly in light of the recent tragic incident at R.G. Kar Medical College & Hospital....The recent incidents involving the brutal attacks on healthcare workers are not just a personal tragedy but a horrifying reminder of the severe risks faced by those who work tirelessly to save lives. This deepens the concern for the safety of individuals in such critical professions", the IA states.

It has been further stated that recent incidents reveal a critical gap in ensuring the safety of women, particularly in sectors with a high representation of female employees, such as the medical field. "Women constitute a significant portion of the workforce in healthcare as doctors, nurses, receptionists, and other roles. They often work long hours and face unique challenges that require special attention to ensure their safety..", it adds.

Court's attention has also been brought on the severe disruption of hospital operations as RG Kar Medical College has faced substantial operational challenges. Staff members are working under immense stress, and the security situation has raised serious concerns about their safety and ability to perform their duties effectively, court has been told.

A bench comprising Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, Justice JB Pardiwala and Justice Manoj Misra will hear the suo moto case registered by the Supreme Court today. 

Recently, a letter petition has also been filed addressing the Chief Justice of India in light of the horrifying incident asking CJI DY Chandrachud to take suo moto cognizance of this case and issue directions for an immediate and impartial investigation into the attacks on doctors protesting against the incident at the R.G. Kar Medical College.

It is to be noted that Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has begun investigating the alleged rape and murder of a 31-year-old junior doctor at R G Kar Medical College in Kolkata, following the Calcutta High Court's decision to transfer the case to CBI due to the lack of progress in the state police's investigation and suspicion of evidence tampering.

The victim was found dead in a seminar hall at the hospital last Friday. The CBI has registered an FIR, building on the initial police report, which includes charges of rape and murder.

High Court's division bench of Chief Justice T.S. Sivagnanam and Justice Hiranmay Bhattacharya strongly criticized the hospital administration, particularly the Principal, for failing to promptly lodge a complaint, which it deemed a dereliction of duty.

Court also questioned the Principal's resignation claiming "moral responsibility" and subsequent appointment to another medical college within hours.

Two days back, Calcutta High Court has asked the Kolkata Police to place on record the entire sequence of events that led to "the unfortunate event" of vandalism of the R. G. Kar Medical College and Hospital campus which occurred on the night of 14th August.

Court asked the CBI to proceed as deemed appropriate. It directed the in charge of the hospital to file two separate affidavits narrating the true state of affairs and all matters incidental and connected there by the next hearing date.

According to media reports, Kolkata Police have arrested 19 people in connection with the vandalism. A city court has remanded the individuals in custody until August 22.

A large mob stormed the medical college campus, vandalizing the emergency ward, nursing station, medicine store, and sections of the outpatient department. 

Case Title: IN RE: ALLEGED RAPE AND MURDER INCIDENT OF A TRAINEE DOCTOR IN R.G. KAR MEDICAL COLLEGE AND HOSPITAL, KOLKATA AND RELATED ISSUES

IA: FEDERATION OF RESIDENT DOCTORS ASSOCIATION