The Indian Supreme Court (SC) has formed a National Task Force (NTF) composed of medical professionals following the tragic rape and murder of a 31-year-old female trainee doctor within hospital premises. This decision follows widespread protests and public outrage [Jurist].
While addressing the matter, the SC criticized the state machinery and police for their negligence, including delays in filing the First Information Report (FIR) and falsely informing the victim’s parents that their daughter had committed suicide. Additionally, the court condemned the failure to protect protesters during the “Reclaim the Night” campaign where incidents of mob vandalism were reported at RG Kar Medical Hospital in Kolkata, the location of the murder [Times of India].
The SC highlighted a lack of security and deplorable working conditions for medical professionals, emphasizing frequent attacks by patients’ families and insufficient restrooms for staff. The abysmal conditions underscore the necessity for regulatory measures as more women enter high-stakes areas of work [NDTV].
The action plan for the newly established NTF includes two key focuses: preventing gender-based violence against medical professionals and establishing enforceable national protocols for safe and dignified working conditions. Furthermore, the SC reiterated the importance of section 13 of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act 2013, calling for regular awareness programs and enhanced safety measures.
Significantly, the SC assumed jurisdiction over the matter despite ongoing proceedings in the Calcutta High Court and transferred the investigation to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) due to dissatisfaction with the state police’s conduct and public demand [Jurist].