Supreme Court of India Allows Women Doctors to Work Night Shifts in West Bengal

New Delhi: The Supreme Court of India, led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, has strongly criticized the West Bengal government for its decision to exempt women doctors from night shifts in state-run hospitals. This controversial notification was issued following the tragic rape and murder of a 31-year-old doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.

During the hearing, Chief Justice Chandrachud questioned the rationale behind restricting women from working night shifts. He remarked, “How can you say women cannot work at night? Why restrict women doctors? They don’t want concessions; they are ready and willing to work the same shifts as men.” The court underscored that the government’s responsibility should be to ensure adequate security for women, not to limit their professional roles.

“The solution is not to impose restrictions on women but to guarantee their safety,” Chief Justice Chandrachud stated, addressing Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, who was representing the Mamata Banerjee government. “West Bengal must amend this notification; your duty is to provide security, not limit opportunities for women,” he added.

The court voiced concern that such restrictions could hinder the careers of women doctors, prompting Mr. Sibal to confirm that the clause barring women from night shifts would be removed.

The notification had sparked widespread protests and criticism across the country, especially in the wake of the tragic incident at RG Kar Medical College. In response to the backlash, Alapan Bandyopadhyay, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s principal advisor, announced new measures to enhance the safety of women doctors in the state.

Mr. Bandyopadhyay assured the public that additional security personnel, trained to be sensitive to the needs of women, would be deployed at all medical institutions. Furthermore, local police would conduct regular night patrols to ensure safety. He also noted that shifts would be organized to pair women doctors for night duties, ensuring they are not alone during these hours. These security guidelines will also be extended to private healthcare facilities.