The Kolkata doctor rape-murder case has taken a significant turn with the Supreme Court’s recent hearing. The apex court, led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, has refused to stop the livestreaming of the hearing, stating it’s in the public interest ¹. During the hearing, Kapil Sibal, representing the West Bengal government, alleged that the livestream was harming the reputation of lawyers and women were facing threats. However, the CJI denied Sibal’s request, emphasizing the importance of transparency ¹. The court also criticized the West Bengal government’s Ratirer Sathi program, which hires contractual staff to ensure security and assist doctors, questioning its effectiveness in ensuring women doctors’ safety.
The Supreme Court has ordered the West Bengal government to enhance security measures, including installing CCTV cameras and providing adequate toilet facilities for doctors within two weeks ¹. Additionally, the court directed Wikipedia to remove the victim’s name and photo to maintain dignity. The CBI has submitted a status report on the probe, which the court found disturbing, stating it will jeopardize further investigation if disclosed ¹. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has accepted the bulk of the junior doctors’ demands, including removing Kolkata Police Commissioner Vineet Goyal and ensuring no punitive action against doctors for their period of absence ¹. The junior doctors have agreed to resume duties if confidence-building measures are implemented. The case has sparked widespread protests and outrage, with the Enforcement Directorate conducting raids on six locations in Kolkata, alleging financial irregularities at R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital