Supreme Court to Hear Case on Kolkata Doctor's Tragic Murder

The Supreme Court will review the self-initiated case on Monday regarding the rape and murder of a junior doctor at RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata. The Centre has filed an application accusing non-cooperation from West Bengal in supporting CISF security measures. Nationwide protests have emerged in response to the tragedy.

The Supreme Court is set to hear a significant case on Monday that it initiated regarding the rape and murder of a junior doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata.

According to the cause list for September 9 on the apex court's website, a bench comprising Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra will hear the matter. This hearing is critical as it follows a recent application from the Centre, alleging 'unpardonable' non-cooperation by the West Bengal government in providing logistical support to the CISF, which is tasked with hospital security.

The Union Ministry of Home Affairs described the West Bengal government's alleged non-cooperation as 'symptomatic of a systemic malaise,' requesting the court to direct state authorities to fully cooperate with the CISF. Failure to do so could lead to contempt proceedings against state officials for 'wilful non-compliance' with court orders.

Previously, on August 22, the top court criticized the Kolkata police for their delayed response in registering the unnatural death of the doctor. Emphasizing the need for justice and medical services to continue, the court appealed to protesting doctors to return to their duties while ensuring their safety. The Supreme Court termed the incident as 'horrific' on August 20, setting up a 10-member National Task Force to devise protocols for the protection of healthcare professionals.

The junior doctor's murder in a hospital seminar hall has sparked protests nationwide. The doctor's body was discovered with severe injuries on August 9, leading to the arrest of a civic volunteer the next day. The Calcutta High Court transferred the investigation from Kolkata Police to the CBI on August 13, which began its probe on August 14.

(With inputs from agencies.)