New Delhi [India], December 10 : The Supreme Court on Tuesday instructed the National Task Force (NTF) to submit its final report with recommendations on the safety of medical professionals within 12 weeks. A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar scheduled the next hearing for March 17, 2025.
The court also directed that all recommendations and suggestions be forwarded to the National Task Force and called for states and Union Territories to submit their responses to the NTF’s previous report. The NTF was set up following the rape and murder of a doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, West Bengal. It was tasked with creating strategies to prevent gender-based violence and establishing safety protocols for medical professionals.
The Supreme Court was reviewing a suo motu petition related to the tragic incident, and also considered updates on the ongoing trial. Advocate Vrinda Grover informed the court that the trial is nearing its conclusion, with the CBI expected to wrap it up by next week. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta provided details on the chargesheet filed regarding irregularities at RG Kar Hospital.
Previously, the Supreme Court noted that the NTF’s recommendations focus on two key areas: preventing physical violence and preventing sexual violence against medical professionals. In its last hearing, the court ordered that a copy of the report be shared with all involved counsels and the Chief Secretaries of all states and Union Territories for further input.