Supreme Court urges doctors to end strike; Delhi AIIMS comply

The Supreme Court on Thursday made a strong appeal to doctors on strike to return to their duties, emphasizing the need to prioritize public health. The strike follows the brutal rape and murder of a junior doctor, a case that has sparked widespread protests and concerns over safety in medical institutions.

The Resident Doctors' Association of AIIMS, New Delhi called off their 11-day strike after the Supreme Court intervened in the rape and murder case of a trainee doctor in Kolkata. “We are resuming duties following the Supreme Court’s appeal and assurances and intervention in the RG Kar incident and safety for doctors,” the association said in a statement.

A bench led by Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, along with Justices J.B. Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, assured the agitating doctors that no punitive action would be taken against them if they resumed work. "How will the public health infrastructure run if the doctors do not work?" the Chief Justice asked, stressing the importance of their role during this critical time.

In addition to urging the doctors to return, the Supreme Court also emphasized the formation of a National Task Force (NTF) to ensure that resident doctors have a platform to voice their concerns and grievances. This move is seen as a significant step toward addressing the issues that led to the protest.

The court's directive comes after a detailed examination of the reports submitted by the Kolkata police. The Supreme Court questioned the sequence and timing of the registration of the unnatural death case and the postmortem, indicating serious concerns about the handling of the investigation by the authorities.

The West Bengal government has been ordered not to take any adverse action against those participating in peaceful protests. As the investigation continues, the court’s intervention aims to bring a balance between justice for the victim and the continuation of essential public health services.