The Supreme Court on Monday expressed strong criticism over the handling of the rape and murder case of a 31-year-old trainee doctor at Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The incident has sparked national outrage, and the court took a firm stand, emphasizing that the country cannot wait for another tragedy before initiating meaningful changes.

Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud, leading the bench, voiced deep concerns over the safety of healthcare workers, particularly women, in hospitals. The court sternly rebuked the West Bengal government and the hospital authorities for the apparent lapses in the investigation and the delay in filing an FIR.

In the hearing, CJI Chandrachud questioned the state of equality under the Indian Constitution, especially when women continue to face safety threats at their workplaces. He lamented that the country should not need another horrific incident like this to awaken its conscience and called out the failings that led to the death of the young doctor.

Referring to the accused as a "sexual pervert" and comparing him to an "animal," the court condemned the brutality of the crime. The justices also expressed concerns over the state’s response to peaceful protests organized by doctors, lawyers, and women's groups, urging the authorities not to use their power to stifle these demonstrations.

The Supreme Court highlighted the issue of the victim's identity being publicly circulated, in violation of privacy and dignity, and called attention to previous rulings that prohibit the disclosure of such information. The court also drew parallels with the infamous Aruna Shanbaug case, pointing out the longstanding issue of sexual violence within institutions.

The bench further criticized the police's inaction during the mob attack on the hospital, labeling it a "serious offense" and noting that only a small fraction of the hospital's resident doctors remained after the incident. The court ordered the deployment of Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel to guard the hospital, stressing the dire need for improved security and basic amenities for female doctors and nurses, including proper restrooms, safe transportation, and surveillance cameras.

Acknowledging the suffering of marginalized patients, the court made a direct appeal to the doctors who had gone on strike to return to duty, while also demanding that the state address the systemic issues that contributed to this tragedy.