Supreme Court to Resume Hearing on Kolkata Doctor Rape-Murder Case Today
March 17, 2025
The Supreme Court of India is set to resume hearing a suo moto case today concerning the horrific rape and murder of a junior doctor at the West Bengal government-run R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata. The bench, led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar, will address the ongoing legal proceedings in this high-profile case that has sparked nationwide outrage.
In its previous hearing, the CJI Khanna-led bench issued a significant directive, urging hospitals and medical colleges across the country not to penalize doctors and medical professionals who participated in protests following the gruesome incident. The court had emphasized that no adverse action should be taken against those who had returned to their duties after the top court’s appeal to resume work. This ruling came as a response to widespread protests by the medical fraternity demanding justice and improved safety measures for healthcare workers.
The case, formally titled ‘Alleged rape and murder incident of a trainee doctor in R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata, and related issues’, was taken up by the Supreme Court in August 2024. During that hearing, the apex court appealed to protesting doctors to return to work, assuring them of protection from punitive measures. The court’s intervention underscored its commitment to balancing the right to protest with the need to ensure uninterrupted healthcare services.
On the investigation front, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is expected to submit its supplementary charge sheet this month at a special court in Kolkata. The charge sheet is anticipated to shed light on the evidence tampering angle, a critical aspect of the case that has raised questions about the integrity of the initial investigation. The CBI’s findings are likely to play a pivotal role in the judicial process moving forward.
The rape and murder of the junior doctor at R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital sent shockwaves across the country, reigniting debates about the safety of medical professionals, particularly women, in the workplace. The Supreme Court’s suo moto cognisance of the case reflects its proactive stance in addressing matters of public importance and ensuring justice.
As the hearing resumes today, all eyes will be on the Supreme Court’s next steps in this case, which continues to resonate deeply with the public and the medical community alike.
