New Delhi:    The Supreme Court of India has urged doctors and medical professionals who are currently on strike to return to their duties. This appeal follows the rape and murder of a junior doctor at R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata.

Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud, who is leading the bench along with Justices J.B. Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, stressed the urgency of addressing the issue. “Since this court is dealing with the matter of safety and well-being of all medical professionals, which is of high national priority, we request all doctors currently abstaining from work to resume their duties as soon as possible,” the bench said.

The court reassured medical professionals that their concerns are being taken very seriously. It noted that the ongoing strike affects those who need medical care the most.

The Supreme Court has labeled the incident at R.G. Kar Medical College as “horrific” and indicative of systemic safety issues affecting doctors nationwide. As a result, the court has ordered the formation of a national task force to propose measures for improving the safety of medical professionals across the country.

In the suo motu case titled “Alleged rape and murder incident of a trainee doctor in R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata, and related issues,” the bench expressed deep concern over the lack of safe working conditions for doctors, especially in public hospitals.

The court has directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to provide a status report on the investigation within two days. Additionally, the West Bengal government has been asked to report on the vandalism that occurred at the hospital.

The court also called on the West Bengal Police to avoid taking harsh actions against peaceful protesters. “People, whether they are doctors or members of civil society or lawyers, who are protesting peacefully should not face state power, provided there is no destruction. This is a time for national reflection,” Chief Justice Chandrachud stated.