The Supreme Court today refused to entertain a plea which sought directions to prevent acts of violence against doctors, maintaining that laws are already in place to deal with such instances. The top court clarified that the petitioners are at liberty to approach the concerned courts in respect of particular instances of violence.
A bench of Justice Sanjiv Khanna, Justice Sanjay Karol and Justice Sanjeev Kumar was hearing a writ petition lodged by the Delhi Medical Association. Appearing for the petitioner, Senior Advocate Vijay Hansaria contended that instances of violence are recurring against doctors.
Nonetheless, Justice Khanna said that laws are already existing to address the issue. He added that he went to the hospital recently, and saw placards placed there saying violence against doctors is a serious offence. Senior Advocate Hansaria said that the concern was about taking preventive measures, adding that they cannot direct legislation.
When Justice Khanna said that every hospital and casualty has a police officer, Hansaria countered that it was not the situation in all hospitals, especially those situated in rural areas. However, the Judge mentioned that the law is already in place, and anybody who indulges in violence has to be treated as per the IPC. He added that the only question is of implementation.
The bench refused to entertain the plea, stating that in case any difficulty in any particular case arises, the petition association of doctors can take up the said cause and issue before the competent court.
The plea, lodged in 2021, sought the protection of medical professionals and healthcare workers who are often assaulted and lynched by the dissatisfied family members of the patients. It stated that at present, there was no substantial central legislation for the protection of medical professionals, etc. The plea sought guidelines to have a 24X7 security system in place to ensure a safe working environment for the said category of persons.