The Calcutta High Court on October 22 put a hold on the suspension of 57 medical students from RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata.
The suspension, implemented by the college’s Special Council on October 5, came in response to allegations that the students were fostering a "threat culture" on campus. The students, however, claimed that the suspension was arbitrary and unjust, according to a report by PTI.
The controversy stems from the outrage following the rape and murder of an on-duty postgraduate trainee doctor, Abhaya (name changed), inside the RG Kar campus on August 9. This incident sparked widespread protests by state doctors, who have been calling for justice for Abhaya and greater security at medical institutions. Doctors have also demanded that the government take steps to eradicate the "threat culture" that they say is pervasive within medical colleges, where students are allegedly intimidated by influential individuals.
In response to the suspension, the 57 students filed a petition challenging the college council’s decision. Justice Kausik Chanda, hearing the case, ruled that the suspension resolution could not be enforced until the state government made a formal decision in line with the law. The judge also noted that the Special Council had no authority to take such action independently.
The college authorities clarified that the suspension was a recommendation and had been forwarded to the state government for review. During a meeting on October 21 between junior doctors and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, the CM expressed her displeasure at the council’s decision to suspend the students without her approval.
As the legal proceedings continue, the suspended students have been temporarily reinstated, with the final decision now resting with the state government. The protests by doctors also continue, with demands for justice and improved safety at medical institutions.