Today’s Updates on the Case and Strike


On Sunday, August 18, the Supreme Court took suo motu cognizance of the trainee doctor’s rape-murder case in Kolkata. The case is scheduled for hearing at 10:30 AM on August 20 before a bench led by Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, alongside Justices J.B. Pardiwala and Manoj Misra.


What is Suo Moto

When the Supreme Court or High Court decides to hear an incident on its own without any petition, it is called suo moto (self-cognizance). The court does this when it gets information from the media or any other way that human rights have been violated. In this way, the court gets this special right, by which it can take legal action in any case at its discretion.


Today, the CBI conducted a 3D laser mapping of the emergency ward at R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital. Meanwhile, nationwide protests by doctors have entered their 9th day in response to the incident. The CBI, which is investigating the case, stated that the psychological test of the accused, Sanjay, has been conducted.

A five-member team from the Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL), consisting of psychologists and behavioral analysts, is conducting the test. This examination aims to understand the mindset of the accused Sanjay regarding the heinous crime.


Central Government’s Order: States to Report Law and Order Status Every Two Hours

On the night of August 17, the Central Government issued a new order requiring all states to update the Ministry of Home Affairs Control Room every two hours on the law and order situation via fax, email, or WhatsApp.


Section 163 Imposed Near Medical College

Kolkata Police have imposed Section 163 of the Indian Penal Code (previously Section 144 of the CRPC) around R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital starting August 18.

The order states that for the next seven days (until August 24), no protests or gatherings of more than five people, carrying weapons, or engaging in any activities that may cause tension, will be allowed.

Protesting Students in Kolkata Chanted Slogans Demanding the Death Penalty for the Accused and Criticized the Mamata Banerjee Government


Nirbhaya’s Mother: Nothing Has Changed Since 2012

On Saturday, Nirbhaya’s mother commented that nothing has changed since 2012. She accused Mamata Banerjee of misusing her position, diverting attention from the issue instead of taking action against the culprits.

She called for Mamata’s resignation, stating that until the Central and State Governments take swift action against such heinous crimes, incidents like these will continue to occur in the country.


Bengal Government Might Announce These Necessary Measures for the Safety of Female Employees


Impact of Doctors’ Strike


Center Assures the Formation of a Committee for Doctors’ Issues

The Ministry of Health issued a statement on August 17, assuring that a committee would be formed to address the doctors’ demands. State governments will also be asked for suggestions regarding security measures. Following the Center’s decision, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) issued a statement, saying, “IMA will respond after carefully considering all aspects and consulting all its state branches. We are studying the statement issued by the Health Ministry.”


IMA Chief: We Haven’t Asked for Anything the Government Can’t Provide

On Saturday, IMA Chief Dr. Ashokan said that except for emergency services, work in hospitals has been halted. Our demand is to ensure the safety of doctors. We haven’t asked for anything that the government cannot provide. We are asking for the right to life, which is a fundamental right. We will write a letter to the Prime Minister, asking him to intervene in the matter. PM spoke about women’s safety in his Independence Day speech.