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In a landmark hearing on the Kolkata rape-murder case, the Supreme Court of India, led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, criticized the West Bengal government and local authorities for their handling of the case. The court expressed frustration over procedural delays and lapses, emphasizing that the nation cannot wait for another tragedy to prompt meaningful changes in women’s safety and hospital security.
The case revolves around the brutal rape and murder of a 31-year-old post-graduate trainee doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9. The Supreme Court has taken suo motu cognizance of the incident, which has sparked widespread protests and raised concerns about the safety of women in medical institutions.
Court Criticizes Delays and Lapses
During the hearing, CJI Chandrachud questioned the timing of the FIR (First Information Report) registration, which was filed three hours after the victim’s body was handed over for cremation. The Chief Justice remarked, “The nation cannot wait for another rape to see changes on the ground. The medical profession and women’s safety require immediate reforms.”
The Supreme Court bench, which also includes Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, scrutinized the actions of the hospital’s administration and local police. CJI Chandrachud expressed concern over the delay in filing the FIR and the inadequate security measures at the hospital. He questioned why the FIR was not registered promptly and why the body was handed over without proper documentation.
Hospital Administration Under Scrutiny
Sandip Ghosh, the former principal of RG Kar Medical College, resigned shortly after the incident and has been questioned extensively by the CBI. The Supreme Court criticized the hospital’s response, highlighting significant lapses in handling the case and the delay in filing the FIR. The Chief Justice noted that despite the hospital’s claims of taking photos and initiating an unnatural death case, the lack of an immediate FIR and the delay in autopsy results indicated serious procedural failures.
National Task Force on Safety
In response to the incident and the criticisms, the Supreme Court has established a National Task Force (NTF) to address safety concerns for doctors. The task force will consist of top medical professionals and is tasked with submitting recommendations within three weeks and a final report within two months. The NTF will include prominent figures such as Surgeon Vice Admiral R Sarin, Dr D Nageshwar Reddy, and Prof Anita Saxena, among others.
Political Reactions and Further Actions
The Supreme Court’s strong remarks have prompted reactions from various political figures. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Leader of Opposition Vijay Wadettiwar have both called for swift justice and action against those responsible for the incident. Former Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray has criticized delays in justice, drawing comparisons to past cases like the Nirbhaya case.
The Supreme Court’s intervention underscores the urgency of addressing systemic issues within medical institutions and ensuring justice for victims of sexual violence. The formation of the National Task Force represents a step towards implementing effective measures to safeguard medical professionals and prevent similar incidents in the future.
Sources By Agencies
