Doctor rape-murder case: Calcutta high court adjourns hearing in PILs since SC seized of the matter

New Delhi: The Calcutta high court on Wednesday adjourned the joint hearing of several PILs on the alleged rape and murder of a doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital and subsequent vandalism, pushing the date to September 4.

This move followed the Supreme Court's involvement in the matter.

Previously, the top court had set up a National Task Force (NTF) and instructed the CBI and the West Bengal government to submit progress reports on their respective investigations by August 22.

The division bench, headed by Chief Justice T S Sivagnanam, cited the Supreme Court's orders covering all issues currently before the high court.

As a result, the hearing of the 14 PILs related to incidents at the state-run hospital was postponed. The bench also included Justice Hiranmay Bhattacharyya.

"The Apex Court orders on the issue covered all issues which are before the high court," said the division bench. Consequently, the hearings will resume on September 4.

Moreover, the bench reiterated its earlier request to all parties to abstain from disclosing the victim's identity after a lawyer noted ongoing circulation of her name and photograph on social media.

This follows the court's earlier directive on August 13 to keep the victim's identity confidential.

Despite the high court’s direction, there have been instances where the victim's identity was shared online. The court reiterated its position strongly.

On August 13, the high court had passed an order transferring the investigation of the alleged rape and murder from Kolkata Police to the CBI. This decision was made amid increasing protests nationwide over the tragic incident at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.

The Supreme Court's actions include the establishment of a 10-member National Task Force specifically to devise protocols ensuring the safety and security of healthcare professionals.

The task force's mandate is a direct response to nationwide concerns about the safety of doctors and other medical staff.

The apex court's involvement and the formation of the National Task Force underscores the gravity of the issue, reflecting broader concerns about the safety of healthcare professionals across India.

The directive to file status reports indicates a coordinated effort between the CBI and the West Bengal government in addressing both the alleged crime and subsequent unrest at the hospital.