Kolkata Rape-Murder Case Supreme Court Hearing Highlights: In a significant Supreme Court hearing led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud on Tuesday, a three-judge bench expressed profound concern over the “horrific” rape and murder of the trainee doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The Court has established a 10-member task force to develop strategies for ensuring the safety of doctors in their workplaces. It also instructed the Central Bureau of Investigation to deliver a status report by August 22. Additionally, the Court urged the West Bengal government to avoid suppressing protesters who are demonstrating against the attack.
The Supreme Court also strongly criticized the West Bengal government for the delay in filing the FIR, questioning why it was registered at 11:45 PM when the autopsy, which confirmed murder, had been conducted earlier. The Court also demanded an explanation for the three-hour gap and the failure of authorities to maintain order at the crime scene.
Kolkata Doctor Rape and Murder Case Live Updates:
Here’s a look at the top arguments made in the Supreme Court today regarding the Kolkata Rape and Murder case:
Read Here: Top Arguments in SC today
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, addressing the court regarding the rape and murder of a trainee doctor, described the perpetrator as not just sexually perverted but to have shown an animal-like instinct in the horrific crime. The court condemned the incident as both “horrific” and “horrendous,” highlighting that such acts of gender-based violence undermine women’s equality by exposing severe safety deficiencies in workplaces.
The Federation of Resident Doctors’ Associations (FODRA) has applauded the Supreme Court‘s involvement in addressing the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Hospital in Kolkata. The official statement read, “We welcome the exhaustive session by the Hon’ble Supreme Court and trust their intervention in the larger interest of our fraternity. We will consult with all our stakeholders before making a decision.”
On Tuesday, Kolkata Police began an inquiry in Sandip Ghosh, the former principal of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, over alleged “financial irregularities” at the facility. This action follows the establishment of a four-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) tasked with examining financial discrepancies at the hospital, where the body of a postgraduate trainee doctor was found earlier this month. According to a senior officer, Ghosh is expected to be summoned for questioning. He is also facing charges for disclosing the identity of the trainee doctor who was reportedly raped and murdered on August 9.
Sibal said that they are taking strong measures. He said that while there were 150 police officers stationed outside the hospital, they were overwhelmed by a crowd of 7,000 people. He added that the vandalism occurred before the state could deploy additional forces, which arrived later.
The counsel representing young women doctors reported that on the same day the protesters were assaulted, the attackers also targeted the women’s hostel, where they threatened the female resident doctors. These threats were severe and akin to those often faced by women during protests. As a result, many women doctors returned home due to safety concerns. On that day, the state police abandoned their posts and sought refuge in the nurses’ changing rooms, according to the doctors’ accounts. A courageous doctor—whose identity I prefer to withhold—submitted a representation to the police, which has been shared with me. I have three copies of this representation, which I will present to the court.
In the hearing concerning the RG Kar incident, where a woman doctor was tragically raped and murdered, Chief Justice DY Chandrachud asserted, “The nation cannot wait for another rape for things to change on ground.” He highlighted that medical professionals, particularly women, are increasingly vulnerable to violence due to ingrained patriarchal biases. CJI Chandrachud criticized existing laws for failing to adequately address the safety standards required for doctors and medical staff. Emphasizing the urgency of reform, he remarked that with more women entering the workforce, the nation cannot afford to wait for another tragedy to drive necessary changes.
The Supreme Court has directed the CISF to increase security at RG Kar Hospital, where the tragic rape and murder of a woman doctor occurred. Following the vandalism of the hospital by a mob on August 14, the Court has emphasized the need for heightened security, particularly as many residents have vacated the premises.
The Chief Justice has urged all doctors currently abstaining from work across the country to return to work as soon as possible. The Chief Justice emphasized that the work stoppage is severely impacting vulnerable segments of society who rely on medical services for their daily needs.
Counsel representing young women doctors requested the implementation of two measures: (1) a software system that connects distress calls directly to the nearest police station, and (2) the proper functioning of CCTV cameras within the hospital.
Senior Advocate Maninder Singh intervened to address the role of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) in the National Task Force (NTF). The Chief Justice approved Singh’s request for the IMA to communicate with the Secretary of the Ministry of Family Welfare to be consulted in the recommendation process. Meanwhile, the Senior Advocate representing an intervenor proposed two suggestions: first, that an institutional FIR be filed within two hours of a cognizable offense, and second, the implementation of a distress call system. The Chief Justice acknowledged that these points had already been considered.
Around 60-70 male resident doctors and 30-40 female resident doctors still remain at the RG Kar hospital, and rest have all left post the night of vandalism, the court observed. There were approximately 700 doctors at the medical college before the incident but now most of them have left.
Sibal during the hearing mentioned that after the night of vandalism at the RG Kar hospital in Kolkata, 37 persons have already been arrested and 50 FIRs were filed. SG responded saying, ” 50 FIRs? it is recipe for not investigating! “
Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud has instructed all states to gather and report data on various aspects of hospital security and facilities. This includes the number of security personnel at each hospital, the total number of restrooms, and whether all areas of the hospital are accessible to the public, among other relevant details. States are required to submit their reports within one month. Additionally, the CBI is expected to provide an interim report by August 22, while the West Bengal government must also submit a report by that date detailing the vandalism that occurred at RG Kar Hospital.
The Solicitor General has requested that any information provided to the Court also be communicated to the CBI by the State Counsel.
The three-judge bench, consisting of Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud and Justices J.B. Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, has been rigorously examining the inquest and post-mortem report of the doctor who was raped and murdered for the past 20 minutes. This detailed scrutiny is part of their ongoing review of the case to ensure thorough understanding and appropriate action.
The Supreme Court has instructed the West Bengal government to refrain from using force against protesters. The Court expressed its concern, stating, that the stat government is responsible for upholding law and order and secure the crime scene. The Court said, “It is difficult to understand why the state failed to do so.”
Next Supreme Court hearing on the Kolkata Doctor’s rape and murder case will be held on Thursday.
The Supreme Court has instructed the National Task Force to develop action plans focusing on two main areas: (1) preventing violence, including gender-based violence, against medical professionals; and (2) establishing a mandatory national protocol to ensure dignified and safe working conditions for interns, residents, senior residents, and doctors.
Chief Justice Chandrachud stated that the West Bengal government is required to submit a status report by August 22 detailing the progress of the investigation into the vandalism incident at RG Kar Hospital.
The Supreme Court has requested an interim report from the National Task Force within three weeks. To support the task force’s efforts, the Court has also engaged the Cabinet Secretary, as well as the Home and Health Secretaries of the Union government.
The Supreme Court has established a 10-member National Task Force, led by Surgeon Major R.P. Sarin, to develop a national protocol aimed at enhancing the safety and facilities for doctors and healthcare staff in hospitals. The task force will focus on measures to protect hospitals from disruptive individuals, ensure adequate rest and duty rooms for medical personnel, and improve overall working conditions.
SC announces National Task Force which will include Surgeon Vice Admiral RK Sarian; Dr Reddy, Mangaing Director Asian Institute of National Gastrology; Dr M Srivas, Director AIIMS, Delhi; Dr Prathima Moorthy, NIMHANS, Bangalore; Dr Puri, Director, AIIMs, Jodhpur; Dr Ravat, Managing member of Gangaram Hospital; Prof Anita Saxena, VC of Pandit BD Sharma College; Dr Pallavi and Dr Padma Srivastav.
These will be the ex-officio members of the NTF : (a) the cabinet secretary to the GOI; (b) the home secretary of GOI; (c) secretary of ministry of family welfare; (d) chairperson of the National Medical commission and (e) President of the National Board of Examiners
The Chief Justice noted several issues affecting doctors, including inadequate rest areas, poor hygiene standards, and insufficient security in healthcare facilities. He pointed out that doctors are often left to manage unruly patients without proper support. Additionally, there is only one shared restroom for medical staff in the hospital, forcing professionals to travel long distances to access basic sanitation facilities.
The Chief Justice noted that current laws fail to adequately address institutional safety standards for doctors and medical staff. He observed that medical professionals are increasingly vulnerable to violence, with female doctors being disproportionately targeted due to deep-rooted patriarchal biases. The Chief Justice emphasized that as more women enter the workforce, the nation cannot afford to wait for another assault before implementing meaningful changes.
The Chief Justice highlighted different cases where doctors have been subjected to violence by patients’ families while on duty. He expressed disbelief over the state’s failure to address the vandalism at the hospital, stressing that the lack of safety measures for medical professionals is a grave concern. The Chief Justice emphasized that ensuring safe working conditions for doctors is not only crucial for their protection but is also a matter of national significance.
CJI in the court hearing said, “We are very concerned, let not the power of the state of WB be unleashed on the protestors.” Sibal on the other hand said that political parties get involved and this in what happens.
The Chief Justice inquired about the timing of the body being handed over for cremation, which was reported as 8:30 PM, and noted that the FIR was filed three hours later. He questioned why the autopsy, conducted between 1:45 PM and 4:00 PM, revealed clear evidence of murder, yet the FIR was only registered at 11:45 PM. The Chief Justice also asked what actions the principal and hospital board were taking during this period. In response, Kapil Sibal explained that photos were taken at the scene, an unnatural death case was promptly initiated, and a board with a Judicial Magistrate was established. The Chief Justice reiterated that it was the hospital’s responsibility to file the FIR, especially since the parents were not present at the hospital.
The Chief Justice noted that appointments at institutions like AIIMS are scheduled up to two years in advance. He emphasized that ensuring the safety of doctors is a priority and urged the medical community to trust the process. He stressed that this issue extends beyond individual cases and impacts the entire healthcare system across India.
The Chief Justice announced the establishment of a National Task Force to develop and recommend nationwide safety protocols for both senior and junior doctors. The task force will outline the procedures and measures that should be implemented across the country to ensure their safety.