In a recent hearing concerning the brutal rape and murder of a 31-year-old post-graduate trainee doctor from Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, the Supreme Court expressed severe dissatisfaction with both the West Bengal government and hospital authorities. The Court criticized the delays in filing the First Information Report (FIR) and other procedural failings in handling the case.
Chief Justice of India, DY Chandrachud, led the bench, which includes Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra. During the proceedings, the Chief Justice raised critical questions regarding the handling of the incident, which has sparked nationwide protests and concerns over women’s safety, particularly in medical institutions.
The Court questioned, “Why was the FIR registered three hours after the body was handed over for cremation?” This inquiry underscored the Supreme Court’s frustration with the delays and lack of immediate action in the case.
The brutal incident, which took place on August 9, has garnered significant attention, with widespread demonstrations across the country highlighting issues of safety and security for women, especially within medical colleges. The Supreme Court has taken a direct role in overseeing the investigation into this tragic event.
Chief Justice Chandrachud further probed into the roles of hospital administration and local police, questioning their actions and response. “What was the principal doing? Why was the FIR not filed promptly, and why was the body handed over late to the parents? What is the police doing? A serious crime occurred, the crime scene was in a hospital—what are they doing? Allowing vandals to enter?” he queried.
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Sandip Ghosh, who resigned as the principal of RG Kar Medical College two days after the incident, has come under intense scrutiny. The CBI has questioned him for nearly 53 hours over the past four days regarding his actions following the doctor’s death. Notably, despite his resignation, Ghosh was briefly reassigned to another medical college, an action that has been met with significant criticism.
Following protests from students and junior doctors, the Calcutta High Court has instructed the West Bengal Health Department to refrain from appointing Ghosh to any other medical college until further notice. This decision followed his controversial brief tenure as principal at Calcutta National Medical College and Hospital.
