Kolkata Doctor Case: SC asks protesting doctors to return to work; asks states to ensure public safety

The Supreme Court on Thursday urged health professionals return to work and and state governments to ensure public safety. The apex court also ensured that the court will prevail upon authorities that no adverse action be taken against the doctors, who have been protesting in the Kolkata doctor-murder case, once they do.

The bench led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud said that the health infrastructure of the country would not be able to function otherwise. The CJI assured AIIMS Nagpur's counsel that no adverse actions will be taken against them once they resume their duties.

The Chief Justice further asked all states to be alert of apprehensions of violations of public safety.


The bench was responding to AIIMS Nagpur's counsel who said resident doctors were being victimised for protesting over the incident.

The apex court also took up the Central Bureau of Investigation and West Bengal government reports regarding the rape-murder and vandalism that took place in Kolkata's RG Kar Medical Hospital.

A three judge bench comprising of the Chief Justice and justices J B Pardiwala and Manoj Misra was hearing the matter of the progress of the investigations by the two separate bodies.

Medical professionals and students have been protesting across the country for over a week demanding safer working conditions for doctors in light of the rape-murder case on the premises of the state-run RG Kar Medical Hospital. The SC had, in its previous hearing of the case, urged the medics to return to work and ordered the formation of a National Task Force to propose recommendations to ensure improved safety of workplaces, especially that of doctors and women professionals.

Investigation by the CBI as well as the Kolkata Police revealed involvement of a civic volunteer, Sanjay Roy of the hospital; while the central agency has continued its questioning of the principal, Dr Sandeep Ghosh, who was later removed from his post.