Nation Cannot Wait for Another Rape to Act: SC Slams Handling of Kolkata Case

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 20th August. In a crucial hearing on the Kolkata rape-murder incident, the Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud, strongly criticized the West Bengal government and hospital authorities for procedural lapses and delays in handling the case. The CJI said that the nation “cannot wait for another rape” before implementing necessary changes to ensure the safety of women, particularly in medical professions.

The Supreme Court’s bench, which also includes Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, expressed dissatisfaction with the three-hour delay in filing the FIR following 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 incident, which has sparked widespread protests across the country, has raised serious concerns about the safety of women in medical institutions.

During the hearing, CJI Chandrachud raised pointed questions about the actions of the hospital’s administration and local police, asking, “Why was the FIR registered three hours after the body was handed over for cremation?” The bench also questioned the role of the hospital’s principal, Sandip Ghosh, who has been under scrutiny by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and questioned for nearly 53 hours over the past four days.

Kapil Sibal, representing the West Bengal government, responded by stating that a case of unnatural death was initiated immediately, and a judicial magistrate was present during the board’s investigation. However, CJI Chandrachud reiterated that it was the hospital’s duty to file the FIR, especially in the absence of the victim’s parents, and questioned the timeline of events.

The Supreme Court’s criticism extended to the handling of the crime scene within the hospital, with CJI Chandrachud questioning, “What are they doing? Allowing vandals to enter the hospital?” The court also took note of the contentious reassignment of the principal, Sandip Ghosh, to another medical college, which was met with protests from students and junior doctors.

In response to the incident, the Supreme Court has established a national task force (NTF) comprising top doctors to submit recommendations on ensuring the safety of medical professionals. The NTF has been directed to submit an interim report within three weeks and a final report within two months. The task force includes prominent figures such as Surgeon Vice Admiral R Sarin, Dr. D Nageshwar Reddy, Dr. M Shreenivas, and Dr. Padma Srivastava, among others.

The matter has been scheduled for further hearing on August 22.