The Kerala High Court has declared that it is the fundamental duty of all police officers to protect citizens, even at the risk of their own lives. This comes after the recent murder of a 23-year-old doctor who was fatally stabbed by a man who was brought in by the police for medical examination. The division bench comprising of Justices Devan Ramachandran and Kauser Edappagath made this observation during the hearing of the case. The State Police Chief (SPC) had submitted that the doctor was alone in the observation room with the assailant, a school teacher named S Sandeep. The Court has called this incident a systemic failure and emphasized that it is the duty of the police to ensure that hospitals and their staff are protected at all times. The order has reminded the SPC that it is their fundamental obligation to provide adequate and sufficient protection to hospitals and personnel on a day-to-day basis.
The recent murder of Dr. Das led the Kerala High Court to convene an urgent hearing on Wednesday afternoon. During the hearing, the court criticized the State government and police authorities for their failure to prevent the attack and murder. The court also questioned the safety protocols followed by the police while presenting someone for medical examination. As an interim measure, the court has ordered that every protocol applicable for the production of the accused or persons in the custody of the police before Magistrates shall apply for the production of such persons in hospitals and other healthcare professionals. In addition, the court has requested the SPC to consider deploying members of the State Industrial Security Force (SISF) for ensuring safety in government hospitals. The SPC has been asked to submit necessary requirements and protocols regarding safety in hospitals. The court has emphasized the need for effective security in all hospitals to avoid any further incidents or attacks. The matter is scheduled to be heard again on May 23.
TAGS: Kerala High Court police duty guard citizens murder Dr. Vandana Das medical examination systemic failure State Police Chief hospitals safety protocols interim measure Magistrates government hospitals SISF security.
