New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday took sou motu cognizance of the matter regarding the R G Kar hospital rape and murder case. The top court pulled up the West Bengal government over “tardy” progress in installation of CCTVs, providing additional security to medical staff and setting up more duty rooms for doctors and biometrics.
The matter was heard by a bench of the Supreme Court headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud. The bench also comprises Justices J B Pardiwala and Manoj Misra. The bench noted that over 50 per cent of the work after the apex court's earlier directions were yet to be complete.
"What steps has been taken by West Bengal to install CCTV cameras, construction of toilets, creating male and female duty rooms, biometrics, etc," the SC said
Senior advocate Rakesh Dwivedi appeared for the West Bengal government. "There has been logistical delays due to floods etc. 6,178 were to be installed. 22 per cent has been completed," Dwivedi replied as reported by Bar and Bench. “We have seen the affidavit. why the progress is so tardy?” the court stated.
Meanwhile, the West Bengal government alleged that the doctors are not performing their duties. Dwivedi said that doctors are only performing emergency duties. However, Indira Jaising, the Resident doctors' counsel, opposed this submission by the state government. The bench also directed all the doctors to perform all their duties without exception, including OPD.
The apex court also directed the state government to take disciplinary action against doctors or top authorities in RG Kar hospital in power who are being probed in connection with the crime of rape, murder and financial irregularities.
The next hearing is scheduled to take place on October 14.
On August 9, a 31-year-old post-graduate trainee (PGT) doctor was allegedly raped and murdered by a civic volunteer Sanjoy Roy. The accused was arrested on August 10. The case sparked nationwide protests by doctors.