RG Kar Case | Centre Moves Supreme Court Alleging Non-Cooperation By West Begal Authorities With CISF, Seeks Contempt Action Against State

The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has filed an application in the ongoing suo motu case in the Supreme Court pertaining to the RG Kar Hospital Rape-Murder seeking better accommodation and facilities for the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel stationed at the hospital and hostels of resident doctors.

The MHA has contended that due to long distance between the accommodation place and RG Kar Hospital, the personnel have been facing difficulties in ensuring efficient administration and prompt mobility during contingencies. The Union has sought for the initiation of contempt proceedings against West Bengal Officials in violation of the orders of August 20 and 22 in the event of failure to cooperate with the needs of the CISF troops.

Notably, the Supreme Court had on August 20 directed the Union to deploy Central Industrial Security Force at the RG Kar Medical College Hospital and the hostels for the safety of the resident doctors. This was after Court questioned the effectiveness of the Kolkata police in the light of the vandalism at the hospital on August 14 and the threats made by a mob to the protesting women doctors.

The Court also rapped West Bengal police over the shortcomings in its investigation of the rape and murder of the resident doctor.

As per the MHA plea, the troops are presently staying at CISF Unit SMP, Kolkata which is one hour away from the Hospital. It further mentioned that MHA had on September 2 requested the Chief Secretary for providing the required logistics and security gadgets.

The MHA has sought the following reliefs :

a. To direct the State of West Bengal to extend full cooperation to the CISF, in terms of the reasonable requests made by the CISF, and ensure full compliance, in letter and spirit, of the order dated 20.08.2024 read with order dated 22.08.2024; and/or

b. In the alternative, initiate contempt proceedings against the concerned officials/authorities of the State of West Bengal for wilful non-compliance of the onders daters 20.08.2024 and 22.08.2024; and/or

c. To pass any other order as the Court deems fit

Case Title : In Re : Alleged Rape and Murder of Trainee Doctor in RG Kar Medical College Hospital, Kolkata and related issues | SMW(Crl) 2/2024