Lagatar24 Desk
Kolkata: Junior doctors in Kolkata have announced their decision to continue protesting against the brutal rape and murder of a young doctor at RG Kar Hospital, despite the Supreme Court’s order to resume work by 5 PM on Tuesday. The doctors made it clear that they would not back down until justice is served, referring to the protest as a “people’s movement.”
The announcement came late Monday evening, just hours after the Supreme Court set a deadline for the doctors to return to work. The court had urged the doctors to restore healthcare services, which have been severely disrupted during the month-long protest, while also assuring that no punitive action would be taken if they complied.
Junior Doctors Stand Firm
Expressing disappointment over the court’s proceedings, a spokesperson for the protesting junior doctors stated, “We are extremely disappointed by the Supreme Court hearing. Justice is still out of reach despite the case being transferred to the Supreme Court and the CBI. This is a people’s movement, and neither the government nor the Supreme Court should forget that.”
The junior doctors also accused the West Bengal government of misleading the court about the impact of the protest on healthcare services. In its affidavit, the state health department claimed that 23 people had died as a result of the doctors’ strike, a statement the doctors strongly denied. “The healthcare system has not collapsed. It is wrong to say that the movement has led to deaths in hospitals,” they said.
Indian Medical Association’s Support
Earlier, the Bengal branch of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) expressed solidarity with the junior doctors, stating they would support whatever decision the protestors made. “We are totally disheartened by the court proceedings and the lack of progress in delivering justice. The portrayal of junior doctors as responsible for hospital deaths is completely false,” the IMA’s statement read.
The junior doctors have been on a “cease work” strike at state-run hospitals for nearly a month, demanding justice for their colleague, who was found raped and murdered in a seminar room at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9.
Supreme Court’s Stance
During Monday’s hearing, Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud acknowledged the impact of the 28-day strike on healthcare services and emphasized the importance of resuming work. “They are in a system to render service. We will provide facilities, but they have to reciprocate. If doctors do not resume work, then the government cannot be stopped from taking disciplinary action,” the Chief Justice said.
He also warned the junior doctors that continued refusal to work could lead to future disciplinary measures. “No adverse actions shall be taken if doctors return to work by 5 PM tomorrow,” he added.
Ongoing Investigation
The case that sparked the protests is currently under investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The prime suspect, Sanjoy Roy, a civic volunteer with Kolkata Police, has been arrested. Roy, who had access to all departments of RG Kar Hospital, allegedly committed the crime while stationed at the hospital’s police outpost.
As the protests continue, the junior doctors remain resolute in their demand for justice, while healthcare services across the state struggle to cope with the prolonged strike.
