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A bench comprising Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud, Justice JB Pardiwala and Justice Manoj Misra was hearing the suo moto case of alleged sexual assault and murder of a postgraduate trainee doctor in Kolkata. (Image source: PTI)
Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud scrutinizes role of police as he hears case of rape and murder of doctor at Kolkata government hospital
Amid ongoing allegations over the Kolkata police's role in the rape and murder of a trainee doctor, Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud on Tuesday drew scrutiny on the role of the police after the barrister of a doctor at RG Kar Hospital accused the police of being unidentified at the hospital. Identity of the villain escapes during destruction.
“Police officers stationed at RG Kar Hospital fled during the vandalism and hid in the nurses' dressing room when mobs attacked the hospital,” said the lawyer appearing before the Supreme Court on behalf of the doctors of RG Kar Hospital.
In response, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta responded: “TThis is just the tip of the iceberg.
After arguments by lawyers, CJI DY Chandrachud sought answers from Kapil Sibal, representing the West Bengal government. “Mr. Sibal, the matter is very serious” CJI said.
“What were the police doing? How could the police flee the scene? CJI Chandrachud asked. “Even if we order protection of doctors, this Will the police protect them? asked Justice JB Pardiwala.
‘Can’t wait for another rape’: SC’s strong observation
Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, while hearing the case of the rape and murder of a doctor at a public hospital in Kolkata, noted that India cannot wait for another rape case to happen because “things will change”.
CJI Chandrachud also pointed out that existing regulations do not address institutional safety standards for doctors and healthcare workers. He added that female doctors are more likely to be targeted due to patriarchal biases.
“As more women enter the workforce, the country cannot wait for another rape incident to change the situation on the ground,” he observed.
