Calcutta HC Directs Health Secretary To Meet Protesting Doctors In Plea Alleging Disruption Of Medical Facilities At R.G. Kar Medical College Hospital

The Calcutta High Court on Monday directed the Health Secretary of the West Bengal government to meet protesting medical students and junior doctors of the R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata on October 29. The Court was adjudicating upon a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) petition alleging that in light of the ongoing agitation by a section of the interns and the students  the medical services to the public at the hospital have been adversely affected. 

Around 350 resident doctors and students have been protesting over a range of demands- reinstatement of the RGKMC union, a transparent hostel council and more hostel beds for female resident doctors. They have also demanded the resignation of the college's principal Sandeep Ghosh. 

A Bench comprising Justices Debangsu Basak and Rabindranath Samanta observed on Monday, 

"It would be appropriate to request the Health Secretary to meet the representatives of the respondent no. 8, not exceeding six in number on October 29, 2021 at 11.00 AM at the office of the Health Secretary. The Health Secretary is at liberty to hear such other parties that he deems appropriate."

The counsel appearing for the petitioner requested the Court to put in place measures so to tide over the impasse caused by the protesting students and junior doctors so that the general public is not affected. 

Additionally, the Advocate General further submitted that the ongoing agitation is being carried on in a manner that impedes the medical facilities at the Hospital, and that the agitations are affecting the public interest. 

Furthermore, the Bench directed the protesting students to ensure that no steps are taken to disrupt the medical facilities at the hospital.

"We hope and trust that the respondent no. 8 will not take any measure so as to disrupt the medical facilities at the R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital and maintain the sanctity of the silent zone at the Hospital and the Medical College", the Court ordered further. 

The Court however clarified that the order does not in any way seek to curtail the right to protest peacefully by the students and junior doctors.

The matter is slated to be heard next on November 2.

Case Title: Sri Nand Lal Tewari v. State of West Bengal 

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