Indira Jaising To Represent Junior Doctors In Supreme Court In Kolkata Rape-Murder Case

New Delhi: Acclaimed lawyer Indira Jaising will represent the West Bengal Junior Doctors’ Forum (WBJDF) at the Supreme Court hearing on September 17. Notably, the WBJDF is leading the protest against the brutal rape and murder of a junior doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College & Hospital last month. Earlier, senior advocate Geeta Luthra represented the WBJDF.

Jaising, well known for her advocacy of women’s rights and discrimination, has obtained Luthra’s consent to take over the representation.

Aniket Mahato, a prominent junior doctor and a key figure in the movement, has confirmed Jaising’s role as counsel for WBJDF. Jaising is known for her efforts in advancing the practice of live-streaming Supreme Court proceedings, which was approved by a three-judge bench led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, moneycontrol reported.

Additionally, senior counsel Karuna Nandi and Sabyasachi Chattopadhyay will represent the Joint Platform of Doctors, West Bengal, an association of senior doctors supporting the junior doctors’ protest. The Government of West Bengal will continue to be represented by Senior Advocate, the report added.

Jaising’s involvement is particularly significant given the recent breakdown in meetings between West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and WBJDF representatives. The state administration rejected the junior doctors’ request to live-stream the meetings, citing the ongoing Supreme Court case as the reason.

Junior doctors at Kolkata’s state-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital have been on strike since August 9 following the horrific rape and murder of a 31-year-old trainee doctor. To address the situation, West Bengal Chief Secretary Manoj Pant extended a “fifth and final” invitation on September 16 for talks with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.