India's Supreme Court Forms Task Force for Workplace Safety After Doctor's Murder

In response to the recent rape and murder of a trainee doctor in Kolkata, India’s Supreme Court has established a national task force of doctors aimed at enhancing the safety of healthcare workers. Chief Justice Dhananjaya Yeshwant Chandrachud emphasized the urgency of the matter, stating that the nation cannot wait for another tragedy to take action. The task force will develop guidelines to protect medical professionals across the country, reflecting a growing concern over the vulnerability of healthcare workers in their workplaces. The tragic incident, which occurred on August 9 at R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital, has ignited widespread protests among doctors and medical staff throughout India. Many have engaged in candlelight vigils and temporarily halted non-emergency services to demand safer working conditions and a thorough investigation into the crime. A police volunteer has been arrested in connection with the case, but the victim's family alleges that more individuals were involved, raising concerns about the adequacy of the investigation. The protests have also highlighted the broader issue of violence against women in India. Thousands have taken to the streets, particularly in Kolkata, demanding justice for the victim and calling for stronger protections for women. Despite the implementation of tougher laws following high-profile cases of sexual violence, such as the 2012 Delhi gang-rape, incidents of sexual violence continue to rise, with police reporting over 31,000 cases of rape in 2022 alone. As the task force begins its work, the hope is that it will lead to meaningful changes that ensure the safety of healthcare workers and address the ongoing crisis of violence against women in India.