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Synopsis

The Supreme Court today observed the national task force, set up by it to develop a protocol for doctor's safety, has not made any substantial progress.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta placed before the top court an affidavit filed by the Task Force.

Noting that after 9th September the task force had not had a meeting, the Chief Justice of India said, "The task force must expedite their work".

"Whatever now the task force does, it would be a long lasting solution, perhaps why they are taking time..", SG Mehta responded.

However, the bench comprising Justices Pardiwala and Maon Misra was of the view that the task force must complete their work withing a stipulated time. "The task force has not made any substantial progress and no meeting has been held after 9th Sept. The Union govt must take active steps to make sure the work of the task force is completed within a reasonable time period. The meeting of the NTF shall be held at regular intervals. So that by the next date this court is apprised of tentative recommendations by the NTF. This has to be done by three weeks", the Chief Justice of India thus ordered.

In the wake of the horrifying incident of rape and murder of a doctor at Kolkata, the Supreme Court of India had recently set up a National Task Force to develop a national protocol aimed at ensuring the safety and protection of women doctors across the country.

CJI led bench has also appointed Ex-officio members to the force who would include Cabinet Secretary to Government of India, Home Secretary to Government of India, Secretary of Union Health Ministry, Chairperson of National Medical Commission and President of National Board of Examiners.

Top court took suo motu cognizance of the incident from August 9, 2024 where a young doctor working at a medical college in Kolkata was brutally raped and murdered.

Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is also investigating the alleged rape and murder of a 31-year-old junior doctor at RG 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.

Case Title: In Re Alleged Rape and Murder of Trainee Doctor in RG Kar Medical College Hospital, Kolkata and related issues