The Supreme Court of India on Monday instructed doctors in West Bengal to end their protest and return to work by 5 pm Tuesday. Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud emphasized that protests should not impede duty, stating, “Protest cannot be at the cost of duty.” The court assured no adverse action would be taken against doctors who resume their responsibilities, provided they comply with the deadline.
The court also directed district collectors and superintendents of police to ensure the safety and security of medical staff in government hospitals and medical colleges. The protesting doctors have been demanding better security following the rape and murder of a postgraduate medic at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata.
Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, representing the West Bengal government, reported that the strike has resulted in 23 deaths due to disrupted healthcare services. The court criticized the delay in filing an FIR and the subsequent vandalism at the hospital.
The rape and murder case, which has triggered nationwide protests, led to the transfer of the investigation to the CBI by the Calcutta High Court on August 13.
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