Chief Justice of India (CJI) D.Y. Chandrachud on Thursday urged protesting doctors, including those from AIIMS Nagpur, to return to work amid ongoing demonstrations over the rape and murder of a postgraduate medic at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College. The Supreme Court assured the doctors that no adverse action would be taken against them once they resumed their duties.
The plea came after the resident doctors at AIIMS Nagpur informed the bench, led by CJI Chandrachud and including Justices J.B. Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, that they were facing victimization for their involvement in the protests.
“Once they return to duty, we will ensure that no adverse action is taken against them. How can the public health infrastructure function if the doctors do not work?” the bench emphasized, urging the doctors to prioritize their responsibilities while assuring them of the Court’s support should any issues arise after they report back to work.
The protests were sparked by the tragic incident on August 9, where a junior doctor was allegedly raped and murdered in a seminar hall at the state-run hospital in Kolkata. Her body, bearing severe injuries, was discovered the next day, leading to the arrest of a civic volunteer by Kolkata Police.