SC slams Bengal Government’s ‘night shift ban’ for female doctors
- In Reports
- 07:45 PM, Sep 17, 2024
- Myind Staff
The Supreme Court on Tuesday reprimanded the West Bengal government for its notification instructing state-run hospitals to exempt female doctors from night shifts. The Court emphasised that women require adequate security measures, not special concessions, in their professional duties.
The Bengal government issued the notification following the tragic rape and murder of a doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9. This incident prompted the state to implement measures aimed at addressing concerns over the safety of female doctors during night shifts.
While hearing the rape-murder case suo moto, Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud questioned the Bengal government’s decision to limit the duties of female doctors. Addressing the state’s counsel, Kapil Sibal, he asked why the government sought to impose such restrictions instead of ensuring their security.
“How can you say women cannot work at night? Why limit women doctors? They don’t want a concession… women are ready to work in the same shift," he said.
Chief Justice DY Chandrachud instructed Kapil Sibal to address the issue, emphasising that the solution lay in providing proper security measures for female doctors. He further directed the West Bengal government to amend the notification accordingly.
“It is your responsibility to provide security; you cannot restrict women from working at night. Pilots, army personnel, and others work during the nighttime hours,” he added.
During the hearing, the Supreme Court instructed Wikipedia to remove the victim’s name from its platform to protect her privacy. The victim, a female doctor, had gone to rest in the hospital's seminar room during an exhausting 36-hour shift and was tragically found raped and murdered on the morning of August 9.
The police arrested a civic volunteer named Sanjay Roy in connection with the crime, and the case was later transferred to the CBI for further investigation. In response to the horrific incident, thousands of junior doctors have staged protests, demanding justice and improved safety measures.
On Monday, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee reached an agreement with the protesting doctors. She conceded to their primary demand by agreeing to remove the police commissioner, a DCP, and two senior health officers. However, she declined to remove the health secretary, as requested by the doctors.
Image source: PTI
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