CJI DY Chandrachud Addresses the Kolkata Doctor's Rape

Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud, in his remarks during the hearing of the Kolkata doctor's rape and murder case, emphasized that the issue extends beyond a single incident. He highlighted the systemic problem of ensuring safety for medical professionals across the country, particularly women. "If women are not able to go to work and the conditions are not safe, we are denying them equality," CJI Chandrachud stated, underlining the critical nature of the matter.

The CJI further noted that the situation is not confined to this particular case, but rather reflects a broader concern about the working conditions of doctors in India. "We know they are all interns, resident doctors, and most importantly, women doctors. Many young doctors are putting in 36-hour shifts. We must evolve a national protocol to ensure safe working conditions," he remarked, as reported by Live Law.

The Supreme Court condemned the rape and murder of the doctor at the state-run RG Kar hospital in Kolkata, describing the crime as "horrific" and "horrendous." The Court also criticized the West Bengal government for the delay in filing the First Information Report (FIR).

In response to the incident, the Court proposed establishing a national task force to develop guidelines aimed at safeguarding and protecting medical professionals nationwide. Additionally, the Court appealed to the doctors currently protesting to return to work, assuring them that their safety and protection is a matter of utmost national concern.

The Court expressed serious concerns about the media's handling of the case, particularly the widespread dissemination of the victim's name, photographs, and videos. CJI Chandrachud revealed that the hospital's principal initially attempted to portray the murder as a suicide, and the victim's parents were not permitted to see the body immediately after the incident.

The victim, a trainee doctor, was found murdered inside the seminar hall of the hospital. An autopsy revealed evidence of sexual assault, indicating that she was subjected to forceful penetration. The woman had gone to the hall to rest during her 36-hour shift when the tragic event occurred. The police have arrested a civic volunteer, Sanjoy Roy, in connection with the crime.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is currently interrogating the hospital's former principal, Dr. Sandip Ghosh, to determine whether a larger conspiracy was involved in the rape and murder. The agency has questioned the doctor regarding the three-hour delay in showing the victim's body to her parents.