Doctors' body FORDA says attack on medics violate several fundamental rights

Doctors' body FORDA, in its intervention application filed with the Supreme Court through advocates Satyam Singh and Sanjeev Gupta, said medics dedicated 10 to 11 years of rigorous education and training, including medical school and residency, to save lives and serve society.

“The healthcare workers play an indispensable role in society, often working under challenging conditions to provide care and save lives. Ensuring their safety is paramount. We urge the judiciary to mandate comprehensive security protocols at RG Kar Medical College and other similar institutions, to protect them from any form of threat or violence,” the FORDA said.

It said the attack on medics violated several fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution such as the right to life and personal liberty under Article 21, right to practice any profession, or to carry on any occupation, trade or business under Article 19(1)(g) and the right to equality before law under Article 14.

“Issue guidelines to plan, prevent, protect and address the aftermath of sexual violence, harassment and gender discrimination against healthcare workers. Direct the deployment of central forces to protect RG Kar Medical College and its staff till the pendency of the case, given the failure of local law enforcement to prevent the attack and subsequent vandalism of the crime scene,” it said.