Supreme Court Takes Suo Motu Cognisance of Kolkata Rape and Murder Case

Supreme Court Intervenes in Kolkata Rape and Murder Case

The Supreme Court of India has taken suo motu cognisance of the rape and murder of a postgraduate medical student at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, citing it as a significant issue concerning the safety of doctors across the country.

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A bench led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, which initiated this action, emphasized that if women cannot work safely, it amounts to a denial of equality. The case, titled “In Re: Alleged rape and murder incident of a trainee doctor in RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata and related issue,” has drawn considerable attention, especially since the Calcutta High Court is already involved and has handed over the investigation to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

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Doctors across the nation have been on strike for over a week, protesting the tragic incident and demanding swift justice. They are calling for the CBI to apprehend the culprits and for the court to impose the harshest penalties. Additionally, they seek government assurances to prevent such incidents in the future.

The Supreme Court bench, also comprising Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, has taken up the matter amidst widespread protests following the discovery of the doctor’s body on August 9, in the seminar hall of the hospital’s chest department. The victim’s body bore severe injury marks, leading to the arrest of a civic volunteer by Kolkata Police the next day.

On August 13, the Calcutta High Court directed the transfer of the investigation to the CBI, which commenced its probe on August 14. This decision came in response to petitions, including one filed by the victim’s parents, who requested a court-monitored investigation.

(With inputs from agency)