SC Urges Doctors to Resume Work Amid Kolkata Doctor Case Hearing

The Supreme Court began hearings on the Kolkata doctor rape-murder case, urging health professionals to return to work. It assured that no adverse actions will be taken against them. A National Task Force has been formed to recommend safety measures for medical professionals, while the CBI updates on the investigation.

The Supreme Court commenced its hearing on the Kolkata doctor rape-murder case on Thursday, strongly advocating for health professionals to return to work. The court assured that once they resume their duties, it will ensure that authorities refrain from taking adverse actions against them.

This assurance aims to stabilize the public health infrastructure, which the court emphasized would be severely impaired without the return of these professionals. Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud shared a personal anecdote about sleeping on a hospital floor when a relative was admitted to emphasize empathy and support for healthcare workers.

The apex court previously formed a 10-member National Task Force, including Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin, to recommend violence prevention and safe working conditions for medical professionals. This move followed national protests triggered by the alleged rape and murder of a junior doctor in Kolkata, directing the task force to submit an interim report in three weeks and a final report in two months.

The Supreme Court also demanded a status report from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on the ongoing investigation and instructed the West Bengal government to report on the mob attack at RG Kar hospital on August 15. Meanwhile, AIIMS New Delhi called on resident doctors to resume duties to ensure patient care normalization, pledging full support for their safety.

In a statement, AIIMS Director's Office emphasized the paramount duty of doctors to ensure patient care, illustrating the balance between professional protest and patient needs.

(With inputs from agencies.)