Kolkata rape case: I slept on floor of govt hospital once, says CJI Chandrachud

As Chief Justice of India led- Supreme Court bench resumes hearing on Kolkata murder rape case, DY Chandruchud shared that he had once slept on the floor of a public hospital when one of his relatives was not well and was admitted to the hospital.

"Assure the doctors that we know they are working for 36 hours..I have personally slept on the floor of a public hospital when one my family member was not well," said the CJI during the hearing of the case.

The SC bench started the hearing by urging health professionals to return to work and 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.

'Medical professionals vulnerable to violence'
At a suo motu hearing of the Kolkata doctor rape and murder case held on August 20, the Supreme Court took strong note of the doctor community's increasing vulnerability to violence. Medical professionals have become vulnerable to violence, the top court noted, adding that women are particularly at risk of abuses. Women face various sexual abuses, CJI Chandrachud observed.

At the hearing, the Supreme Court suggested several measures to safeguard doctors.

The court said it would like the task force to consider sweeping reforms. Some of the suggested measures include, among others:

• Security in medical establishments
• Separate resting rooms for female staff
• Adequate lighting across the campus
• CCTV coverage
• Restricted entry to certain facilities used by medical staff
• Creation of employee panels to conduct quarterly safety audits.

(with agency inputs)