The Supreme Court on Tuesday ordered the removal of name, photos and videos of the trainee doctor in Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital from media platforms. A bench headed by Supreme Court Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud said disclosure of the identity of a victim of sexual assault is a violation of its order passed in the Nipun Saxena case, news agency PTI reported. Earlier, a three-judge bench presided by CJI DY Chandrachud expressed deep concern over the “horrific” rape and murder of the trainee doctor and constituted a 9-member task force to work out modalities for the safety of doctors at workspaces. It also directed the Central Bureau of Investigation to submit a status report by August 22. The CJI-led bench urged the state government to not unleash their power on people protesting the attack.
Further, the apex court came down heavily on the West Bengal government over the delay in filling the FIR, asking why it was filed 11.45 pm, when the autopsy took place much earlier. “Autopsy revealed that the doctor was murdered and the FIR was registered at 11:45 pm. What were the authorities at the hospital doing for three hours?” the court noted. It also questioned why the authorities were unable to maintain law and order at the crime scene.
What’s the case? A 31-year-old postgraduate doctor was allegedly raped and murdered inside a seminar hall of the hospital on August 9, sparking national outrage. Sanjay Roy, a civic volunteer, was arrested in the case. The incident led to nationwide protests by doctors, demanding justice for the victim and a law ensuring safety for all resident doctors in colleges and hospitals. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has also faced criticism over the TMC government’s handling of the case. Her personal intervention failed to placate protesters this time.