In a recent development at the Calcutta High Court, the hearing of several Public Interest Litigations (PILs) concerning the distressing incident at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital was deferred to September 4. This decision comes in light of the Supreme Court’s active involvement in the case, which includes the alleged rape and murder of a trainee doctor and subsequent vandalism at the medical institution.
The adjournment followed a day after the Supreme Court, responding to the nationwide outcry over the incident, established a 10-member National Task Force. This team is tasked with developing protocols to safeguard doctors and healthcare professionals across India. The Apex Court’s decisive action underlines the critical need for enhanced security measures in medical institutions, given the increasing reports of violence against healthcare workers.
Moreover, the Supreme Court has directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the West Bengal government to present their investigation status reports by August 22. These reports pertain to the separate inquiries into both the alleged crime and the violent disturbances that occurred on August 15 at the hospital.
Chief Justice T S Sivagnanam, presiding over the division bench with Justice Hiranmay Bhattacharyya, noted that the issues currently before the High Court are comprehensively addressed by the Supreme Court’s orders. This overarching judicial attention prompted the High Court’s decision to pause the PIL hearings.
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The bench also made a renewed plea to maintain the confidentiality of the victimโs identity. This appeal came after concerns were raised about the continuous circulation of the victim’s name and photograph on social media, despite the court’s explicit directives against such actions on August 13.
Previously, the High Court had mandated the transfer of the investigation from Kolkata Police to the CBI, aiming for a more thorough and unbiased inquiry into the tragic events at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.
