The government of West Bengal is looking to ensure security in medical colleges and came under pressure from the Supreme Court after the rape and murder of a 31-year-old doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata. In a hearing, Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal explained measures that were put in place to improve security, which prompted Chief Justice DY Chandrachud to question its dependence on contractual security instead of constables.
Chief Justice: The accused man, Sanjoy Roy, was a civic volunteer with unrestricted access to the hospital. There are large gaps in the safety concept. He shared his doubts about the contingency workers and wondered about their training level and how much the latter safeguards women doctors.
Sibal assured the court that the new security personnel are the police, but the Chief Justice noted that police must be present regularly, more so in institutions that host vulnerable young learners. The court also pointed out that junior doctors protesting against the lack of security measures in the health facility were not doing so without any prejudice because they were beginning to feel insecure.
The event has raised more questions about the civilaiBOSque volunteers’ involvement in security. Critics have considered recruitment a process that only involves political affiliations rather than abilities. The court was especially clear about the need for close supervision over security measures. The court urged tight safety measures for the state to protect healthcare workers.
