Calcutta High Court Stays Suspension Of RG Kar Medical College Junior Doctors Over Alleged 'Threat Culture'

A Calcutta High Court vacation bench recently stayed the suspension and expulsion of around 51 junior doctors from RG Kar Medical College and Hospital over allegations of 'threat culture.'

Notably, RG Kar has been the scene for the brutal rape and murder of a trainee doctor after she had completed her night duty.

In the present case, the petitioners had been suspended and expelled from the college upon recommendations by the Special College Council Members. It was alleged that they were arbitrarily suspended and expelled without any legal authority.

Counsel for the respondents also submitted that the Special College Council Members of R. G. Kar Medical College and Hospital lack the authority to suspend or expel the petitioners. He submitted that the order dated October 5, 2024, is a mere recommendation. The Council has forwarded the said recommendations to the State Government for taking further actions.

Accordingly, Justice Kausik Chanda held: "In view of the aforesaid, there is no scope to implement any of the resolutions as adopted by the Special College Council Members of R. G. Kar Medical College and Hospital on October 5, 2024, at this juncture. It is clarified that resolution dated October 5, 2024 shall not be given any effect to until and unless a decision is arrived at by the State in this regard in accordance with law."

It thus stayed the suspension and placed the matter before the regular bench for hearing after the vacations.

Case: Pronay Maity & Ors. Vs. Department of Health and Family Welfare, service through the Secretary, Government of West Bengal & Ors.

Case No: WPA 26086 of 2024

Click here to read order