“Don’t politicize...”: Supreme Court Urges Against “Politicization” of Kolkata RG Kar Doctor's Rape and Murder Case

The Supreme Court of India on Thursday urged political parties to exercise restraint and not politicize the rape and murder of a PGT doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata. Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, along with Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, asked the legal representatives from both the CBI and West Bengal governments to stop engaging in political disputes during the court proceedings, adding that the legal process is proceeding as it should.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the CBI, highlighted inflammatory remarks made by a West Bengal minister, who threatened severe retaliation against anyone criticizing Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. "A sitting minister of the State of West Bengal says fingers pointing towards Mamata Banerjee will be chopped off," said Tushar Mehta.

In response, Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, representing the West Bengal government, pointed out similar provocative statements from Opposition leader Suvendu Adhikari, who allegedly threatened violence. "And leader of opposition Suvendu Adhikari has said bullets will be fired,” said Sibal. The Court responded firmly, stating, "Do not politicise the situation. Law will take its course."

The top court expressed concern for the safety and well-being of doctors and issued a directive ensuring that no punitive actions would be taken against doctors who participated in protests related to the incident. The judges emphasized the need for medical professionals to resume their duties promptly to avoid disruptions in patient care. "Justice and medicine cannot go on strike," Chief Justice Chandrachud remarked, questioning whether judges could abandon their responsibilities in a similar manner.

During the hearing, the Court addressed the issue of FIRs against doctors from All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) who had been protesting. The Chief Justice urged doctors to return to work, assuring them that no adverse actions would be taken for protests held prior to the Court's order, provided that no further demonstrations occurred. "If they are on duty, they will not be marked absent," he stated.

The Supreme Court also emphasized the urgent need for a National Task Force to assess and improve the working conditions and safety of medical professionals. The Court had earlier mandated the establishment of this Task Force and directed both the CBI and the West Bengal government to provide updates on their respective investigations.​