Kolkata: The Supreme Court has refused to issue blanket protection orders for doctors participating in protests over the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.
A bench comprising Justices MM Sundresh and Satish Chandra Sharma said that granting such protection would amount to interfering with police authority. The judges noted that the matter could not be handled in a “piecemeal” manner and indicated their inclination to transfer the case to the Calcutta High Court, which they said was better placed to monitor ground-level developments.
Court Questions Feasibility of Monitoring Protests
The bench observed, “How can we pass blanket orders protecting doctors? The police has a right to call you.”
It stressed that supervising protests in Kolkata from New Delhi was impractical and that the High Court was the appropriate forum to oversee the situation.
Concerns Raised Over Police Harassment
Senior advocate Karuna Nundy, representing the association of junior and senior doctors, argued that protesting doctors were being repeatedly called for interrogation and harassed by the police.
The apex court asked her to submit a detailed table of all related matters pending before the Calcutta High Court. The Supreme Court will take up the matter again after the winter vacation.
Background of the Case
The body of the postgraduate trainee doctor was found in a seminar room at RG Kar Medical College on August 9 last year. Kolkata Police arrested Sanjay Roy, a civic volunteer, the following day.
Parents of Deceased Doctor Seek Protection
Earlier reports indicated that the deceased doctor’s family, alleging threats and intimidation, sought urgent protection. Their appeals prompted Rashtrapati Bhavan to direct West Bengal Chief Secretary Manoj Pant to examine the issue.
The father of the victim had written three emails to President Droupadi Murmu on August 10, 11, and 12, claiming the family faced “extreme torture and existential threat.”
The case continues to trigger widespread protests by medical professionals demanding justice and safety measures.
