Supreme Court Orders National Task Force to Address Safety Concerns for Doctors After Kolkata Tragedy

In a stern rebuke to the West Bengal government, the Supreme Court of India on Tuesday criticized the state’s handling of the “horrific and horrendous” August 9 rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee doctor in Kolkata, as well as the subsequent attack on the hospital where she worked. The apex court, led by Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud, broadened its intervention in the suo motu case initiated on August 18, calling for immediate and systemic reforms to protect medical professionals, especially women.

“This is not just about a singular incident in Kolkata; it raises broader systemic issues regarding the safety of doctors across India,” stated Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud. Highlighting the gravity of the situation, the bench, which also included Justices J.B. Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, emphasized that doctors’ safety is a national concern. The bench pointed out that while several states, including Maharashtra, Kerala, and West Bengal, have enacted laws to combat violence against doctors, these measures fall short of addressing the broader deficiencies in institutional safety standards.

The court announced the formation of a Ten-member National Task Force (NTF) led by Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin, Director General of Medical Services (Navy) under its authority. The Court expanded the focus to the nationwide safety and security of doctors and healthcare staff, directing the National Task Force to address the well-being of medical professionals. The NTF, comprising eminent doctors and key government officials, is tasked with creating action plans to prevent gender-based violence and ensure dignified working conditions for all doctors. The NTF has been asked to prepare an interim report within three weeks and a final report within two months. 

 “Laws are in place to protect medical professionals, but they do not address systemic issues,” the Chief Justice stated. He pointed out that deeply rooted patriarchal attitudes make medical professionals—women in particular—more vulnerable to various sorts of abuse. After the incident, the court warned the West Bengal government not to use disproportionate force on peaceful protestors and voiced concern over the state’s inability to stop damage.

The Court’s order underscored several critical issues, including the inadequate provision of restrooms for medical professionals on night duty, the lack of separate duty rooms for men and women, and the absence of basic hygiene and sanitation during extended duty hours. The Court also highlighted the lack of security personnel, insufficient toilet facilities, and inadequate transportation and lodging arrangements for medical staff. Concerns were also raised about poorly functioning CCTV cameras, unrestricted access for patients and visitors, and the absence of proper screening for weapons at hospital entrances.

“The nation cannot wait for another rape before things on the ground change,” the bench said, emphasizing the necessity of national safety procedures. Assuring the protesting doctors that their safety and protection are of the utmost importance to the country, the court described the episode as a systemic breakdown of state machinery and asked them to return to work.

During the hearing, the Supreme Court also questioned the West Bengal government and police over their handling of the case. The CJI expressed concern about the circulation of the victim’s name, photographs, and videos in the media, calling it “extremely concerning.” The Court also criticized the delayed registration of the FIR and the actions of the hospital’s principal, who initially attempted to pass off the incident as a suicide.

The case has been transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) following the Calcutta High Court’s directive, which expressed dissatisfaction with the Kolkata Police’s investigation.

The Supreme Court has asked the CBI to file a status report on the investigation by August 22, while the West Bengal government has been directed to submit a report on the acts of vandalism during protests at RG Kar Hospital on August 14.

This intervention by the Supreme Court marks a critical step towards ensuring the safety and dignity of medical professionals across India, addressing systemic flaws that have long endangered those working in healthcare.