Return to work by tomorrow 5 pm... SC issues deadline for protesting doctors

The Supreme Court has issued a stern warning to protesting doctors involved in the Kolkata rape and murder case, urging them to return to work by 5 PM tomorrow or face possible disciplinary action. A three-judge bench, led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, made this announcement today during the hearing into the case, which has shaken the nation.

The West Bengal government informed the court that funds had been sanctioned to enhance safety measures for doctors, which will be monitored by District Collectors. "To create a sense of confidence, we state that no adverse action will be taken if doctors return to work by 5 PM tomorrow," said the CJI. However, he added that failure to resume duty could result in future actions by the state.

Advocate Kapil Sibal, representing the West Bengal government, assured the court that doctors resuming work would not face any punitive measures. The Chief Justice highlighted that the 28-day mass strike of junior doctors had severely affected healthcare services in the state, with the government reporting 23 deaths due to the strike.

Senior advocate Geeta Luthra argued that senior doctors remained on duty while junior doctors faced threats and bullying. The CJI emphasized that doctors must now fulfill their responsibility to return to work.