Please trust us, resume work: Apex court to protesting docs

PTI, NEW DELHI, AUG 20, 2024 : "Please trust us," the Supreme Court said on Tuesday while requesting the doctors protesting across the country over a Kolkata doctor's alleged rape and killing to call off the strike and resume work.

The apex court said abstention from the work of doctors affects those segments of society that are in need of medical care. "We earnestly appeal to all the doctors that we are here to ensure that their safety and protection is the matter of highest national concern. Please trust us, that is why we have not left the matter to the High Court."

"We felt this is not just a matter of a serious offence but one which affects the institution of healthcare pan-India. Therefore, there is a need for the Supreme Court to take up the matter," a three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice D. Y. Chandrachud said.

The Federation of Resident Doctors' Association welcomed the apex court's intervention in the Kolkata incident, saying it will serve the interests of the medical fraternity. "Since this court is seized of the matter pertaining to the safety and well-being of all medical professionals at workplaces, we would request all the doctors abstaining from work across the country to resume work at the earliest. 

The abstention from the work of doctors affects segments of society who need medical care the most. The doctors and medical professionals shall stand assured that their concerns are receiving the highest concern from the highest court from a diverse range of counsels," the bench said.