Supreme Court Questions Bengal Govt’s Tardiness on Hospital Safety Measures

New Delhi: The Supreme Court expressed its dissatisfaction with the slow progress in installing CCTV cameras and implementing security measures at state-run hospitals in West Bengal, including RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, aimed at protecting doctors.

A three-judge bench, led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, scrutinised the West Bengal government’s delays in meeting safety standards. Senior Advocate Rakesh Dwivedi, representing the state, attributed the lag to logistical issues stemming from recent floods, revealing that only 22% of the planned 6,178 cameras had been installed.

The Chief Justice questioned the lethargy, pointing out that no area had exceeded 50% completion. Dwivedi assured the court that most installations would be finished by October 15, ahead of the final deadline of October 31.

Despite the state’s assurances, the bench stressed the need for expedited action, especially given the ongoing investigations into the rape and murder of a 31-year-old trainee doctor at RG Kar hospital. The court reviewed a status report from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which detailed ongoing investigations into the murder and associated financial irregularities at the hospital.

While the CBI continues its inquiries, the court opted not to disclose specific findings due to the sensitive nature of the case.

The bench also discussed concerns regarding individuals linked to the case who still hold significant positions at the college. Senior advocates Indira Jaisingh and Karuna Nundy, representing the resident doctors, urged the court to ensure their suspension until the investigation concludes.

Additionally, the hearing addressed troubling reports of AI-generated videos of the RG Kar victim circulating on social media. Advocate Vrinda Grover, representing the victim’s family, requested the court’s intervention. The bench ordered a ban on the dissemination of any images or videos related to the victim across all platforms, including Wikipedia.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta assured the court that a nodal officer would be appointed to oversee social media activity and facilitate the removal of such material. He also committed to presenting both interim and final reports from the National Task Force on doctor safety at the next hearing scheduled for October 14.