Vaquill is a legal publication house that simplifies legal information and publishes content in multiple Indian languages.

What languages does Vaquill publish in?

Vaquill publishes content in English, Hindi, Marathi, Tamil, Telugu, and Bangla.

Supreme Court Questions Police Volunteer Recruitment in RG Kar Medical College Case

Case Title: In Re: Alleged Rape and Murder of Trainee Doctor in RG Kar Medical College Hospital, Kolkata and Related Issues | SMW(Crl) 2/2024/

In the previous hearing, the Court showed concern about how slowly security measures are being put in place in medical colleges and hospitals in the State. The Court questioned the West Bengal government about this issue

During the hearings, the Court pointed out several important issues that need urgent attention:

Concerns About Doctor Safety:

The Supreme Court noted that the National Task Force (NTF) on doctors' safety has not made significant progress. "We have given them time to work on this, but there seems to be a lack of action," the Court remarked.

The judges set a three-week deadline for the NTF to report back on the measures taken to secure the safety of doctors.

Questioning the Role of Civic Volunteers:

The Court questioned the legal authority of the West Bengal government to recruit civic volunteers for police duties. "What legal authority does the state government have to recruit civic volunteers for policing functions?" the judges asked, emphasising the need for proper laws and training for those involved in law enforcement.

The judges highlighted that policing requires specialised skills and that civic volunteers should not be performing duties that are beyond their training.

Investigation Update from the CBI:

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) informed the Court that they have filed a chargesheet against the sole accused in the case. The CBI also indicated that they are still looking into the roles of other individuals related to the incident.

The judges expressed the need for a thorough investigation, stating, “We expect the CBI to leave no stone unturned in this case.”

Need for Systemic Changes:

The Court’s inquiries have led to discussions about possible changes in policies regarding civic volunteer recruitment. Experts suggest that there should be clear rules about the duties and powers of civic volunteers to ensure accountability and safety.

The Court has ordered the State government and the CBI to provide updates on how the investigation is progressing. It also instructed that the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) should provide security at the hospital.

The ongoing case has sparked a broader conversation about how to protect medical professionals and improve safety in hospitals.

Conclusion

The RG Kar Medical College case has highlighted serious issues regarding the safety of doctors and the role of civic volunteers in policing. The Supreme Court's comments and deadlines emphasise the need for immediate action and reform in these areas. As the hearings continue, it remains crucial for the government and relevant authorities to address these concerns to protect medical professionals and ensure public safety.

References:

Written by Seersha Chaudhuri

Driven legal professional with a BA LLB and a knack for writing and media reporting. Previously, I’ve crafted legal documents and managed court proceedings at Terkiana PC, focusing on immigration law. I’m also brushing up on my Spanish with Duolingo—learning a new language has never been this fun! Eager to blend my expertise in legal research with my passion for global policy and creative writing. Apart from being a professional, I am a full time lover of fish, dystopian fiction and Brooklyn 99.