Supreme Court raps Bengal over ‘tardy’ progress on security at hospitals

The Supreme Court on Monday expressed concern over the slow pace of installing CCTV cameras and ensuring other security measures at West Bengal’s state-run hospitals, including RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, as part of efforts to safeguard doctors.

A three-judge bench, led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, questioned the West Bengal government’s delay in fulfilling safety requirements. Senior Advocate Rakesh Dwivedi, representing the state, informed the court that logistical delays caused by floods had hindered progress. “Of the 6,178 cameras planned for installation, only 22 percent have been put up,” Dwivedi stated.

The Chief Justice, however, was unimpressed. “Why is the progress so tardy? No areas have surpassed 50 per cent,” he remarked. In response, Dwivedi assured the bench that most of the work would be completed by October 15, ahead of the deadline of October 31.

The bench noted the state’s assurance but emphasised the need for urgency, especially in light of ongoing investigations into the rape and murder of a 31-year-old trainee doctor at the RG Kar hospital. The court reviewed a fourth status report submitted by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which outlined ongoing probes into both the murder and allegations of financial irregularities at the institution.

While CBI investigations are still in progress, the court refrained from revealing detailed findings, citing the sensitive nature of the case.

The bench also addressed concerns raised about individuals implicated in the case who remain in positions of power at the college. Senior advocates Indira Jaisingh and Karuna Nundy, representing the resident doctors, urged the court to ensure their removal until the investigation concludes.

In addition, the hearing revealed that disturbing content, including AI-generated videos of the RG Kar victim, had surfaced on social media. Advocate Vrinda Grover, representing the victim’s parents, requested the court to intervene. The bench swiftly ordered a ban on the use of all images and videos related to the victim across all platforms, not just Wikipedia.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta assured the court that a nodal officer would be appointed to monitor social media and ensure the removal of such material. He also promised to present the interim and final reports of the National Task Force on doctor safety in the next hearing, set for October 14.