New Delhi, Aug 18: The Supreme Court on Sunday took suo moto cognisance of the rape and murder of a junior doctor at RG Kar Medical College & Hospital in Kolkata.
According to the cause list shown in website of the apex court, a three-judge bench led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud and Justice JB Pardiwala and Justice Manoj Misra will take up the matter.
Based on a letter petition filed by Doctor Monica Singh addressed to CJI Chandrachud on Friday, urging the apex court to take suo moto cognisance of the incident and issue directions for an immediate and impartial investigation.
It also prayed for guidelines to enhance security measures at medical colleges and hospitals across the country to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future, and for framing comprehensive guidelines for the protection of medical professionals and institutions.
“The incident on the RG Kar Medical College was not merely an isolated incident of violence, but a direct assault on the healthcare system of our nation. It undermines the safety and security of those who have dedicated their lives to serving others. Swift and decisive action by the Supreme Court is essential to restore faith in the rule of law and to ensure the uninterrupted functioning of our medical institutions,” the plea read.
“The recent incidents reveal a critical gap in ensuring the safety of women, particularly in sectors with a high representation of female employees, such as the medical field,” it added.
