The Supreme Court on Tuesday questioned the West Bengal government’s decision to prevent women doctors from working night shifts and beyond 12 hours.
A three-judge bench, led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, was hearing a suo motu case regarding the rape and murder of a doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.
The court said that women seek equal opportunities, not special concessions, and emphasized that women doctors are willing to work under all conditions. It also reminded the state of its duty to ensure the safety of women doctors.
Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, representing the West Bengal government, informed the court that the restriction would be revoked, saying that it was a temporary security measure. Sibal assured the apex court that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had guaranteed no punitive actions would be taken against doctors choosing to return to work.
Additionally, the court criticized a lawyer’s application calling for the resignation of CM Mamata Banerjee, stating that the court is not a venue for political disputes.