New Delhi, September 17, 2024 — Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud strongly criticised the West Bengal government’s notification advising state-run hospitals to avoid assigning night shifts to women doctors, stressing the state’s responsibility to ensure their safety. The notification came in response to the recent rape and murder of a 31-year-old doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.
In a stern directive to amend the notification, Chief Justice Chandrachud remarked, “How can you say women cannot work at night? Why limit women doctors? They don’t want concessions… women are ready to work in the same shifts.”
Addressing Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, representing the Mamata Banerjee government, the Chief Justice emphasized that the solution lies in providing adequate security, not restricting women. “Pilots, the Army, everyone works at night. It is your duty to ensure safety,” he added.
The court further noted that restricting night shifts for women doctors would harm their careers. Responding to the criticism, Mr. Sibal assured the court that the clause would be deleted.
The notification had been issued in the aftermath of nationwide protests following the tragic incident at RG Kar hospital. In response, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s principal advisor, Alapan Bandyopadhyay, announced enhanced security measures at medical colleges and hospitals. He highlighted plans to deploy women-friendly security personnel and increase night-time police patrolling.
Private healthcare centers have also been urged to follow similar guidelines to ensure the safety of women doctors during night shifts.
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