In a significant development, the Supreme Court of India has directed all doctors protesting over the rape and murder of a female medic last month to return to work by Tuesday, warning of “adverse action” if they fail to comply. The nationwide strike, which began after the body of the trainee doctor was found in a Kolkata hospital, has seen hundreds of doctors demand justice and better working conditions, including improved security measures and basic infrastructure in government-run hospitals.
The court’s order comes as demonstrations over the attack spread globally, with thousands of Indians protesting in over 130 cities across 25 countries, including Japan, Australia, Europe, and the US. The incident has sparked widespread outrage and highlighted concerns over women’s safety in India, despite tougher laws being introduced after the 2012 gang-rape and murder of a woman in a moving bus in Delhi.
The Supreme Court has also directed the West Bengal government to address doctors’ concerns, including providing separate duty rooms and toilets, and installing CCTV cameras in hospitals. A hospital safety task force has been formed to recommend steps to ensure medical workers’ safety. The court emphasized that doctors cannot be oblivious to the needs of the general community they are intended to serve.
The incident has brought attention to the long-standing issues faced by medical professionals in India, including lack of security, inadequate infrastructure, and poor working conditions. Women’s rights activists say the incident highlights how women continue to face sexual violence in India, and demand stricter implementation of laws and policies to ensure their safety.
