Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: The Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, sharply criticized the West Bengal government’s decision to avoid assigning night shifts to women doctors in state-run hospitals. The notification was issued following the tragic rape and murder of a 31-year-old doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.
Addressing the matter, Chief Justice Chandrachud remarked, “How can you say women cannot work at night? Why limit women doctors? They don’t want concessions; women are ready to work in the same shifts as men.”
The court emphasized that it is the government’s responsibility to provide adequate security for women rather than restricting their duties. “The answer is not to limit women but to ensure their safety. West Bengal should correct this notification; your duty is to provide security,” Chief Justice Chandrachud added while addressing Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, representing the Mamata Banerjee government.
The court expressed concern that such restrictions could negatively affect the careers of women doctors, prompting Mr. Sibal to confirm that the contested clause would be deleted.
This notification sparked widespread criticism and protests across the nation, particularly in light of the RG Kar hospital rape-murder incident. In response, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s principal advisor, Alapan Bandyopadhyay, announced new measures to safeguard women doctors.
Mr. Bandyopadhyay assured the public that women-friendly security personnel would be deployed at all medical institutions, with local police conducting regular night patrols. Additionally, shifts would be organized to ensure that women doctors are paired for night duties. These guidelines will also be extended to private healthcare centers.
