Supreme Court Hearing Scheduled for 2 PM: Kolkata Medico Rape Case

Junior doctors in West Bengal are set to evaluate the state government's assurances regarding their safety and security before deciding on resuming their total work stoppage. This assessment follows the Supreme Court's hearing of the RG Kar case, which highlights serious concerns about a "threat culture" in government-run medical institutions.

They assert that issues like examination key sales, bribery, corruption, and the harassment of medical students and junior doctors are widespread. The court has recognised the gravity of these allegations, stating that even a fraction of them warrants serious attention. After a 42-day strike protesting the rape-murder of a doctor at RG Kar Medical College, junior doctors resumed partial duties on September 21. Recently, they emailed Chief Secretary Manoj Pant to remind him of their unmet demands.

In a two-page letter, the West Bengal Junior Doctors' Forum referred to their September 18 meeting with Chief Secretary Manoj Pant, where their demands were allegedly agreed upon. On Sunday, junior doctors, joined by citizens, held torch rallies across the state at sites including RG Kar Hospital and SSKM Hospital. Organised by the West Bengal Junior Doctors' Front, these rallies aimed to raise awareness about the "threat culture" in medical colleges, where students reportedly experience intimidation.

After a 42-day protest triggered by the rape-murder of a fellow doctor, junior doctors partially resumed duties on September 21 but continue to push for unmet demands. Torch rallies across the state further emphasise the need to address intimidation within medical colleges.

Kolkata Police Commissioner Manoj Verma visited RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on Sunday, just ahead of the Supreme Court's hearing on the rape-murder case involving the postgraduate trainee doctor from the institution. His visit comes as the case continues to draw significant attention.

A three-judge Bench led by Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud will resume the suo moto hearing of the case today. Meanwhile, the West Bengal Junior Doctors’ Front (WBJDF) is preparing to initiate a new protest. Representatives have stated that they will strike if conditions do not improve following the Supreme Court hearing.