Mehta, who was representing the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in the case, presented details during the proceedings highlighting the timeline of when the police were notified and the apparent negligence in handling the case.As Kapil Sibal, who was representing the West Bengal government in this case, interjected, Mehta gave a strong reaction with the ‘don’t laugh’ remark.
Sharing the video clip from Supreme Court hearing, BJP’s Amit Malviya wrote on X: “Complete insensitivity on display. Like Mamata Banerjee, the legal team representing WB Govt, led by former Congressman Kapil Sibal, showed no remorse, whatsoever, for having killed the young doctor twice … Solicitor General Tushar Mehta had to remind Kapil Sibal ‘not to laugh’.”
Supreme Court during the hearing came down heavily on the West Bengal Police over the probe into the rape and death of trainee female doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.
The apex court also instructed the police to refrain from interfering with peaceful demonstrations.
“We categorically reaffirm that peaceful protests shall not be disturbed and disrupted. The state shall not take any action against those who are peacefully protesting against the incident at state-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital,” a bench presided over by CJI DY Chandrachud said.
The Supreme Court took note of the status reports submitted by the CBI and the Kolkata Police regarding the vandalisation of the hospital premises on the night of August 14. It directed the jurisdictional court to decide on the investigative agency’s application seeking permission for a polygraph test of the accused by 5 pm on Friday.
Furthermore, the court instructed the National Task Force (NTF), established by the government on its direction, to consult with various medical associations while developing effective recommendations concerning the safety, working conditions, and well-being of doctors and medical professionals.
The Supreme Court urged medical professionals nationwide to return to work, assuring resident doctors and interns that no adverse action would be taken against them for participating in protests. The Bench emphasized the importance of doctors resuming their duties to ensure that the poor people seeking medical care at hospitals are not left in a difficult situation.