Supreme Court Demands Doctors Resume Work Amidst Protests Over Brutal Crime

India's Supreme Court has ordered doctors, protesting the rape and murder of a trainee medic, to return to work by Tuesday or face 'adverse action.' The protest, triggered by the death of a trainee doctor in West Bengal and demands for better hospital amenities, has seen nationwide participation.

India's Supreme Court has mandated that all doctors protesting over the rape and murder of a female medic must resume work by Tuesday, warning of 'adverse action' for non-compliance.

Nationwide, hundreds of doctors have halted work demanding justice for the victim, found dead at R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata. Authorities arrested a police volunteer for the crime and the college's former principal for alleged graft. Doctors are also calling for improved hospital amenities, citing a lack of security and basic infrastructure.

Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud, leading the three-judge bench, emphasized the doctors' duty to serve the general community and directed the West Bengal government to address their concerns, including separate duty rooms and toilets for male and female staff, plus installing CCTV cameras. Demonstrations spread internationally, mobilizing diaspora Indians in over 130 cities across 25 countries. Women's rights activists argue the incident underscores ongoing sexual violence against women in India.

(With inputs from agencies.)