Protesting Doctors Defy Supreme Court Orders Amid Talks with West Bengal Government

Defying the Supreme Court's directives, protesting doctors in West Bengal continued their strike. The government invited them for talks with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Despite the court's reminders about potential actions, doctors insisted on their demands.

Despite the Supreme Court's directives to resume work by 5 pm on Tuesday, protesting doctors in West Bengal remained resolute, refusing to budge from their demands. In a bid to resolve the issue, the West Bengal Government sent a letter inviting the doctors for a meeting with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee at Nabanna, the state secretariat.

West Bengal Minister Chandrima Bhattacharya stated that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee awaited the protesting doctors following the invitation, but no one showed up at Nabanna. 'Yesterday, the Supreme Court ordered the agitating doctors to return to work by 5 pm today. The Chief Minister and government waited until 5 pm. Subsequently, our administrative officers concluded that up to 10 doctors could meet with the state's highest authority. At 6.10 pm, an email was sent by the Principal Secretary requesting their presence at Nabanna. The Chief Minister waited until 7.30 pm, but no response came. As a result, the Chief Minister left the premises,' Bhattacharya explained.

Nevertheless, the protesting doctors firmly asserted they would not relocate for discussions, standing by their demands. 'The letter from the Principal Secretary requests 10 representatives for a meeting. Our demands are clear, and we have been protesting for 31 days. We see no need to move when we are here. We will, however, reply to the letter,' one of the protesting doctors affirmed.

The Supreme Court emphasized that no punitive actions should be taken against doctors once they resumed work by Wednesday at 5 pm. However, it cautioned that if they failed to comply, the court would be powerless to prevent the state government from taking disciplinary actions. Senior Advocate Geeta Luthra raised concerns about threats faced by the doctors. Additionally, the Supreme Court directed the creation of necessary conditions ensuring the safety and security of doctors in hospitals, including the provision of proper toilet facilities for both male and female doctors, among others.

Chief Justice of India Chandrachud directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to submit an updated status report by next week. The court scheduled the next review of the matter for Tuesday, September 17 (ANI).

(With inputs from agencies.)