In a crucial decision on Thursday, the Supreme Court of India directed protesting doctors to return to their duties, amid ongoing demonstrations sparked by the horrific rape and murder of a postgraduate medical student at Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College. The court highlighted the vital role doctors play in upholding the public health system and reassured them that no punitive actions would be taken against them once they resumed their duties.
This directive was issued by a bench headed by Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud during a hearing where the resident doctors at AIIMS Nagpur raised concerns about potential victimization due to their involvement in the protests. "Once they return to duty, we will ensure that authorities do not take any adverse actions. How can the public health infrastructure function if doctors are not working?" remarked the bench, which also included Justices J.B. Pardiwala and Manoj Misra.
The Supreme Court underscored its concern for the functioning of the healthcare system, stressing that interruptions caused by the protests could severely harm public health services. "If there are any issues after they resume work, come to us, but first, let them report back to duty," the bench added, offering a pathway to address ongoing grievances while emphasizing the critical need to restore medical services.
The protests were triggered by a deeply disturbing case involving the alleged rape and murder of a junior doctor, whose body was discovered on August 9 in the seminar hall of the hospital's chest department, showing signs of severe injuries. The incident has sparked widespread outrage, with the Kolkata Police arresting a civic volunteer in connection with the case, as the demand for justice continues to grow.
This ruling reflects the court's balancing act—acknowledging the doctors' anguish and the gravity of the situation, while also emphasizing the necessity of maintaining the healthcare services that millions rely on.
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