NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court has taken a decisive step in response to the recent rape and murder of a trainee doctor in Kolkata, establishing a 'National Task Force' to improve safety measures for medical professionals across India.
In a suo motu hearing led by Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, Justice J.B. Pardiwala, and Justice Manoj Misra, the court highlighted urgent concerns regarding the security of doctors. The justices emphasized that unsafe work environments compromise equality and hinder women’s ability to work safely. They also criticized the media for publishing distressing images and videos of the victim.
The court has instructed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to provide a status report on the ongoing investigation by Thursday. It questioned the delay in filing a First Information Report (FIR) and raised concerns about why the principal of RG Kar Medical College Hospital did not promptly report the incident to the police. Additionally, the court expressed disbelief over the state's failure to prevent vandalism at the hospital.
Chief Justice Chandrachud noted that attacks on medical professionals have become increasingly common, underscoring the need for robust protection measures. He affirmed that safeguarding doctors, especially women doctors, is crucial for upholding the principle of equality.
The newly established 10-member National Task Force, chaired by Surgeon Vice Admiral R.K. Sarian, is tasked with developing actionable protocols to prevent violence against medical professionals and improve their working conditions. The panel includes the cabinet, health, and home secretaries as ex-officio members.
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