Supreme Court criticizes political rivalry between Trinamool Congress and BJP following Kolkata Medical College tragedy

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court has strongly criticized both the ruling Trinamool Congress and the opposition BJP for politicizing the tragic incident involving the rape and murder of a PG trainee doctor at Kolkata's R G Kar Medical College Hospital.

During the hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the CBI, stated that anyone pointing fingers at Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee would have those fingers "chopped off." In response, Kapil Sibal, representing the Bengal government, pointed out that opposition leader Suvendu Adhikari had made a provocative remark, saying that Banerjee "should be shot."

Reacting to the heated exchange, the bench led by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud emphasized that political parties and the government should refrain from politicizing such sensitive matters. The court clarified that the law would take its natural course in the investigation and prosecution of the case.

The Supreme Court also directed the Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate to decide on the CBI's application to conduct a lie detector test on the accused by 5 PM today.

In a separate but related issue, the Supreme Court condemned the inhumane working conditions of resident doctors, who are often required to work shifts lasting 36 to 48 hours. The court called for the establishment of a national task force to examine the matter and recommended that fixed working hours be implemented to protect the health and well-being of medical professionals. The bench further directed that recommendations be submitted to improve the working conditions of doctors across the country.

Doctors and judges should not strike

The court also ruled that doctors and judges, who are entrusted with matters of life and liberty, should not engage in strikes. "Can we protest outside the Supreme Court? Medicine and justice cannot be interrupted," remarked Chief Justice Chandrachud, underscoring the critical nature of their professions.