In a critical intervention, the Supreme Court of India on Thursday directed protesting doctors to return to their duties, amidst ongoing protests over the tragic rape and murder of a postgraduate medical student at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College. The court emphasized the importance of their role in maintaining public health infrastructure and assured that no punitive measures would be taken against them upon their return.
The directive came from a bench led by Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, during a hearing where counsel for resident doctors at AIIMS Nagpur expressed concerns about victimization due to their involvement in the protests. “Once they get back to duty, we will prevail upon authorities to not take adverse action. How will public health infrastructure run if the doctors do not work?” remarked the bench, which also includes Justices J.B. Pardiwala and Manoj Misra.
The Supreme Court’s concern was clear: the functioning of the healthcare system is paramount, and disruptions due to protests could severely impact public health services. “If there is difficulty after that, then come to us, but let them first report to work,” the bench further stated, extending an olive branch for ongoing grievances while stressing the urgency of resuming medical services.
The case that triggered the protests involves the alleged rape and murder of a junior doctor found on August 9 inside the seminar hall of the hospital’s chest department, marked by severe injuries. The incident has led to widespread outrage and demands for justice, with the Kolkata Police arresting a civic volunteer in connection with the case.
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Following significant public and professional outcry, the Calcutta High Court, on August 13, ordered the transfer of the investigation from the Kolkata Police to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which began its probe the next day.
