Kolkata doctors to continue protest against RG Kar horror despite Supreme Court appeal

The West Bengal Junior Doctors Front will not call off their protest, unlike their counterparts at AIIMS Delhi despite the Supreme Court's appeal to call off the strike.

The apex court had given assurance that "no stringent action" would be taken against them.

Earlier in the day, the resident doctors at Delhi's AIIMS hospital called off their nearly two-week-long strike against the horrific incident in Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College which shocked the nation.

In a statement, the Resident Doctors' Association, or RDA, said they had done so after receiving assurances from the Supreme Court, which on Wednesday called on medical professionals across the country to "please trust us" and return to their duties.

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation doctors have also called off their strike.

The Federation of Resident Doctors Association (FORDA) has called off its protest. The association said they will stand with RG Kar Medical College and Hospital and will continue a symbolic peaceful protest.

"We will conduct a peaceful march once every week in coordination with other Resident Doctors' Associations in Delhi to show solidarity and support to RG Kar College," it said.

The Supreme Court took a suo motu cognizance of the incident listed the matter on Tuesday and made strong observations against the conduct of the college's principal and the investigation carried out later.

The top court had requested the doctors to resume duties as it could affect people in need of medical care.

On Thursday, the Chief Justice of India, Dy Chandrachud, "We earnestly appeal to all doctors... we are here to ensure their safety and protection. Please trust us, that is why we have not left the matter to the (Calcutta) High Court."

The Supreme Court on Thursday urged the junior doctors, who are protesting across West Bengal demanding justice for the 31-year-old post-graduate medical student's brutal rape and murder, to resume their duties, media reports said.

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

The top court earlier in the day 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.