New Delhi: During today’s hearing on the Kolkata doctor’s rape and murder case in the Supreme Court, a crucial document related to the post-mortem was highlighted. While emphasising that an autopsy cannot be conducted without it, CJI DY Chandrachud questioned the absence of the challan. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for the West Bengal government, accepted that he could not immediately find the document, but assured to provide it to the court.
The matter was raised after an advocate asked whether the victim’s clothes were presented during the autopsy? CJI Chandrachud asked for a clarification on the document that goes with the body for autopsy post-inquest. When Sibal could not present it, the CJI said, “It is crucial because it includes a section detailing the clothes and items sent with the body, and we need to review that information.”
No entry in Emergency ward without valid I-Cards: SC to CISF
During the hearing, the SC directed the CISF to ensure all necessary safety measures are in place and anyone without valid I-Cards should not be allowed to enter into emergency ward of RG Kar hospital. The apex court also directed that all all photos of the victim should be removed from social media immediately.
The SC bench headed by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) CBI to submit a fresh report on the investigation in the rape and murder case by September 17.
The SC directed that it should be ensured that all three companies of the CISF, which are deputed for security at the RG Kar Hospital, are given accommodation. All the security gadgets needed by the CISF should be handed over to the force by today only, said the SC.
Return to work by 5pm tomorrow or face action: SC to doctors
CJI Chandrachud also directed the agitating doctors to return to work by Tuesday 5pm otherwise SC won’t be able to give any protection against disciplinary action by the concerned hospital managements. The CJI also directed the authorities not to take any action against those doctors who were returning to work.
The observation was in response to the West Bengal report where it claimed that doctors strike has lead to deaths of 23 unknown patients in various hospitals in the state.
The Supreme Court also directed that necessary conditions should be created for the safety and security of doctors in hospitals with the availability of toilet facilities for both males and females among others.
Delay in filing of FIR in the case: SC
The SC said it was very clear that there has been a delay of at least 14 hours in registering the FIR. The CBI has some crucial evidences in this regard.
“A status report has been filed by CBI, it appears that investigation is in progress, we direct the CBI to file fresh status report…We don’t want to guide the CBI on its investigation,” the bench said.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told the bench, comprising Justices J B Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, and the CJI, that CBI has decided to send forensic samples to AIIMS for further probe.
Create confidence in minds of doctors: SC to Bengal govt
The SC also observed that all District Collectors and Superintendents of Police should assess the situation and ensure that appropriate measures are implemented to guarantee the safety and security of doctors working in government medical colleges and hospitals. This includes establishing restrooms for both male and female doctors and installing CCTV cameras.
