The Supreme Court of India, during a hearing on October 15, 2024, delved into the recruitment procedures for civic volunteers in West Bengal, following the rape and murder of a doctor at R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital. The court’s scrutiny comes amid concerns about potential “political patronage” in these appointments. This case has sparked widespread protests and demands for improved safety and security within medical facilities.
The Supreme Court’s Inquiry into Civic Volunteer Recruitment
Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud expressed concerns that the hiring of civic volunteers could be a disguised form of political favoritism. Consequently, the court ordered the West Bengal government to submit a detailed affidavit outlining the entire recruitment process. The affidavit is required to address several key aspects, including:
- Legal Basis for Recruitment: The specific legal authority under which civic volunteers are recruited.
- Recruitment Modalities: The detailed steps involved in the hiring process, including application procedures, selection criteria, and appointment methods.
- Candidate Qualifications: The required educational background, skills, and experience for civic volunteer positions.
- Background Verification: The procedures employed to verify the background and antecedents of prospective candidates.
- Duty Assignments: The specific institutions and departments where civic volunteers are assigned duties, along with the nature of those duties.
- Compensation and Budget: The payment structure for civic volunteers, including salary, benefits, and the overall budgetary allocation for these positions.
- Safeguards Against Misuse: The measures implemented to ensure that civic volunteers are not deployed in sensitive institutions where they could potentially misuse their authority.
Updates on Hospital Security and Doctor Safety
The Supreme Court also received updates on the ongoing efforts to improve security in state-run medical colleges and hospitals. The West Bengal government reported substantial progress in infrastructural upgrades, enhanced facilities, and the implementation of biometric access control. However, these claims were disputed by senior advocate Karuna Nundy, representing the doctors, who argued that the actual progress was far less significant.
Additionally, the court addressed the status of the National Task Force (NTF) established to develop a national protocol for the safety of medical professionals. Expressing dissatisfaction with the NTF’s lack of progress, the Chief Justice directed the Centre to ensure the timely completion of the task force’s work and submission of provisional recommendations within three weeks.
CBI Investigation and Chargesheet
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) submitted its latest status report, confirming the filing of a chargesheet against Sanjoy Roy, the prime accused in the rape and murder case. The chargesheet details the charges against Roy under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS), and the case is scheduled for framing of charges in November. The CBI also assured the court that it is actively investigating the possibility of others being involved in the crime, as well as alleged financial irregularities at the hospital.
Junior Doctors’ Protest and Ongoing Concerns
The hearing took place amidst an ongoing hunger strike by junior doctors, protesting for justice and improved workplace safety following the tragic incident. The court was informed that most doctors had resumed work, except for a small group continuing their fast-unto-death, with some experiencing deteriorating health conditions. Ms. Nundy requested the inclusion of junior and senior doctors on the state’s security audit committee, a proposal opposed by the West Bengal government, which asserted that the committee already consults with doctors regularly.
Conclusion: Seeking Justice and Systemic Reforms
The Supreme Court’s ongoing involvement in the Kolkata doctor rape and murder case reflects a commitment to ensuring justice for the victim and addressing systemic issues that contributed to the tragedy. The court’s focus on the civic volunteer hiring process highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in these appointments. Furthermore, the court’s scrutiny of hospital security measures and the NTF’s progress emphasizes the need for concrete action to improve the safety and well-being of medical professionals. The case continues to draw national attention, underscoring the urgent need for reforms within the healthcare system and the broader issue of violence against women. The nation awaits further developments in the judicial proceedings and the implementation of measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
