'How Can They Run Away': In Dramatic Exchange, CJI Brings Police Role Under Scrutiny Over RG Kar Vandalism | Watch

Amid the ongoing allegations over the role of Kolkata Police in the trainee doctor’s rape and murder case, Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud on Tuesday brought the role of the cops under scrutiny after the lawyer appearing for the doctors of the RG Kar Hospital accused the police of running away during the vandalism of the hospital by unknown miscreants.

“Police officials stationed at the RG Kar Hospital ran away during the vandalism and hid in the Nurses’ Dressing Room when the mob was attacking the hospital,” said the lawyer representing the RG Kar Hospital doctors before the Supreme Court.

Reacting to this, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta responded, “This is only the tip of the ice berg.”

Following the lawyer’s argument, CJI DY Chandrachud sought answers from Kapil Sibal, who is representing the West Bengal government. “Mr Sibal, this is very serious” the CJI said.

“What was the police doing? How can the police run away from the site?” CJI Chandrachud asked. “Even if we order protection for the doctors, this police will protect them?” asked Justice JB Pardiwala.

‘Can’t Wait For Another Rape’: SC’s Strong Observation

Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, while hearing the rape and murder of a doctor in a state-run hospital in Kolkata, observed that the nation cannot wait for another rape case for “things to change on the ground”.

CJI Chandrachud also noted that existing enactments do not address institutional safety standards for doctors and medical workers. He added that due to patriarchal biases, women doctors are targeted more.

“As more and more women join the workforce, the nation cannot wait for another rape for things to change on the ground,” he observed.