Calcutta HC halts suspension of 51 doctors of RG Kar over threat culture row

The suspension of 51 doctors at R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital has been temporarily halted by the Calcutta High Court, which ruled on Tuesday that the final decision will rest with the state government. Justice Kaushik Chanda's bench clarified that the suspension order issued on October 5 will not take effect until the state government provides its ruling on the matter.

The case has garnered significant attention following a meeting between Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and the junior doctors, during which she expressed her concerns regarding the suspension. Banerjee questioned the college administration's decision-making process, highlighting that no disciplinary action should be taken without the state government's knowledge. Her remarks reflect the government’s intention to maintain oversight in such significant issues affecting medical professionals.

The controversy erupted after a shocking incident involving the alleged rape and murder of a student at R.G. Kar Medical College, which led to widespread protests by students. The student body accused the administration of fostering a "threat culture" within the institution. In response to the unrest, the college council decided to suspend the 51 doctors, accusing them of contributing to a climate of fear and intimidation in the hospital environment.

During the court proceedings, the lawyers representing the suspended doctors argued that the college management failed to provide clear reasons for the suspensions. They emphasized that the action seemed arbitrary and unjust. Conversely, the college's legal counsel asserted that no official suspension had been enacted and that the matter was now to be reviewed by the state government, which would determine the next steps.