Kolkata rape and murder hearing highlights: No action against doctors; CJI refuses to accept CM’s resignation plea

Highlights of Supreme Court hearing in Kolkata rape and murder case: The Supreme Court, headed by CJI Justice DY Chandrachud, began the hearing shortly after 10.30 am.

Kapil Sibal, appearing for the West Bengal government, told the SC that no “punitive action” would be taken against doctors who do not attend work.

The Supreme Court ordered the Bengal government to beef up security measures, including installing CCTV cameras and providing proper toilets for doctors within two weeks. Criticising the Ratirer Sathi scheme, the SC also slammed the Bengal government for hiring contract staff to assist doctors.

Earlier, the CJI had rejected Kapil Sibal’s plea to stop live streaming of the hearing, saying it was being done on public demand. Advocate Kapil Sibal, representing the West Bengal government, alleged that the live streaming was damaging the reputation of lawyers and women were being put at risk.

“There are threats against women in my room and then there are posts about me laughing… when I was laughing… saying that they will be attacked with acid and raped etc. People there are saying that,” Sibal said.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has announced that she will accept most of the five-point list of demands raised by junior doctors after a meeting with them on September 15, 2024.

Mamata Banerjee also ordered the removal of Kolkata Police Commissioner Vineet Goyal after 4 pm today. She also removed the director of medical education (DME), director of health services (DHS) and deputy commissioner (north division) from their posts. “We will announce the name of the new police commissioner after 4 pm on Tuesday, after the scheduled hearing in the Supreme Court is over,” PTI quoted the West Bengal Chief Minister as saying.