Poor people cannot be left in lurch: Supreme Court urges doctors protesting against RG Kar case to resume work

"Poor people cannot be left in lurch," said Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud to prevent the cripping of the medical facilities.

The Supreme Court on Thursday resumed hearing on the RG Kar case that has sent shockwaves across the country, ignited public fury and brought the West Bengal government under fire over its alleged cover-up.

"If they are on duty, they will not be marked absent and if they are not on duty, then law will be followed. Ask them to first return to work, no one will take adverse action against any doctor. If there is difficulty after that, then come to us, but let them first report to work," the CJI said when an advocate appearing for resident doctors at AIIMS claimed protesting doctors have been marked absent.

The top court has assured the doctors' representatives that all their grievances and issues will be taken care of by the National Task Force.

"The committee will ensure all representatives are heard," said the top court.

As per the Supreme Court order, the CISF formally took charge of the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, which was vandalised by the miscreants on the intervening night of August 14 and 15 when lakhs of women and men went for night vigil demanding justice for the victim.

The trainee doctor was allegedly raped and murdered at the seminar hall of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, which is located in North Kolkata's Belgachia area.

One person, a civic volunteer, has been arrested in connection with the case but protesting students as well as the victim's parents suspect more people are involved in the case.