Supreme Court Orders Nationwide Sharing of NTF Report on RG Kar Hospital Case

New Delhi- The Supreme Court on Thursday directed that the National Task Force (NTF) report on the safety of medical professionals be shared with all state and Union Territory Chief Secretaries, doctors' associations, and other relevant stakeholders. The report, prepared following the horrific rape and murder of a junior doctor at R.G. Kar Medical College & Hospital in Kolkata, contains recommendations for preventing violence and sexual violence against doctors.

CJI D.Y. headed the bench. Chandrachud cited two categories of recommendations from the NTF: preventing violence against medical professionals and providing safe working conditions; preventing sexual violence against doctors. Chandrachud, emphasized the need for all stakeholders to review the NTF's recommendations and provide their feedback within three weeks. This will facilitate the court in issuing comprehensive directions for implementing the recommendations.

The Supreme Court also acknowledged the ongoing CBI investigation into the case and refrained from making any observations. The trial is scheduled to begin on November 11 in a special court in Kolkata against the accused, Sanjay Roy.

The NTF, formed by the Union government on the Supreme Court's orders, has submitted its report focusing on two key areas: preventing violence against medical professionals and ensuring safe working conditions, and preventing sexual violence against doctors. The court had last month urged the NTF to expedite its work, emphasizing the national importance of ensuring doctor safety.

About a month ago, the CBI charged Roy, a Kolkata Police volunteer, in the alleged rape and murder case. The charge sheet suggests the possibility of a larger conspiracy behind the crime and alleges that evidence was tampered with during the initial investigation by Kolkata Police.

Two other individuals, former RG Kar Medical College and Hospital Principal Sandip Ghosh and former SHO of Tala Police Station Abhijit Mondal, have also been arrested by the CBI. They are accused of misleading the investigation and tampering with evidence.

The Supreme Court has asked the CBI to submit its next status report before the next scheduled hearing.