New Delhi: In response to the widespread outrage over the recent rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee doctor at Kolkatas RG Kar Medical College, the Supreme Court has taken suo motu cognizance of the case. The hearing is scheduled for August 20, led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud.Incident sparks nationwide uproarThe brutal incident occurred on August 9, when the young doctor was allegedly raped and murdered while on duty. The crime has triggered nationwide protests, with civil society groups and doctors across various states demanding justice and enhanced security measures for medical professionals.Supreme Court steps in The Supreme Courts intervention follows rising public pressure and accusations of state authorities mishandling the case. The incident, already under investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), has sparked significant concerns regarding the safety of medical professionals in India, especially women, who often face risks in their work environments.Supreme Court has taken suo motu cognizance of the rape and murder of a doctor in RG Kar Hospital in Kolkata. A bench of Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud and Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra will hear the case on August 20. pic.twitter.com/XWwMUd9FSc— ANI (@ANI) August 18, 2024IMA leads nationwide strikeThe Indian Medical Association (IMA), the countrys largest association of doctors, has taken a strong stance in seeking justice for the murdered doctor. On Saturday, the IMA organized a nationwide strike, halting all non-essential medical services for 24 hours in protest and solidarity with the victim.Call for judicial interventionEarlier, two Supreme Court lawyers had written to CJI DY Chandrachud, urging the court to take immediate action. The nation looks to the judiciary as the ultimate guardian of justice, the letter emphasized, highlighting the need for swift and decisive legal action to ensure that such heinous crimes are met with the full force of the law.
