Kolkata doctor's case: Highlights of Supreme Court hearing

Highlights from the Supreme Court's hearing on Tuesday, 20 August, of the case of alleged rape and killing of a doctor at Kolkata's R.G. Kar Hospital, in which it constituted a 10-member National Task Force (NTF) to formulate a protocol for ensuring the safety and security of doctors and other healthcare professionals.

• Supreme Court says the case raises systemic issues concerning the safety of doctors.

• Court says it is deeply concerned that the victim's name was published all over the media; orders removal of name, photos and videos of the trainee doctor.

• Supreme Court questions the delay in lodging an FIR, criticises the medical college principal for trying to pass off the incident as a case of suicide.

• Supreme Court raps the Kolkata Police, asks how a mob of thousands entered the R.G. Kar Medical College during the ensuing protests and vandalism.

• Court asks how, when the conduct of the R.G. Kar Hospital's principal was under scrutiny, he was appointed to another college immediately.

• Court says the West Bengal government's power should not be unleashed on protesters, as it is time for a national catharsis.

• Court says the country cannot wait for another rape or killing for real changes to take place on the ground.

• "Please trust us," the Supreme Court says, while requesting the doctors protesting across the country to call off their strike and resume work.

• Court constitutes a 10-member National Task Force (NTF) to formulate a protocol for ensuring the safety and security of doctors.

• Supreme Court directs the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) to provide security at Kolkata's R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital to enable doctors to resume work there.

• Court directs the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to file a status report by August 22 on its investigation in the Kolkata rape-and-murder case.