On the basis of 'inputs received from credible sources' about the law and order situation, the Kolkata administration on Saturday issued an order saying no protests, rallies, processions, dharnas or demonstrations would be allowed around RG Kar Medical College and Hospital for the next seven days.

As per an official order issued by Kolkata Executive Magistrate and Police Commissioner Vineet Goyal, Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (earlier Section 144 of CrPC), restricting any protests or large gatherings, was imposed around the hospital where the 31-year-old trainee doctor was raped and murdered.

The ban on gatherings that came into effect at midnight on Sunday, August 18, would stay for the next seven days or until further order, an official notification said.

"On assessment of the law and order situation of the area (RG Kar hospital) in regard to the inputs received from credible sources, there are sufficient reasons of violent demonstrations, rallies, meetings by a section of public or an organisation thereby causing breach of peace, disturbance of public tranquillity, health of safety, danger to human life, Section 163 of BNSS is imposed", the order read.

Notably, Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital has been the epicentre of widespread protests demanding justice for the trainee doctor who was raped and murdered there.

India's chief doctors' body, the Indian Medical Association, called for a nationwide 24-hour protest demanding to implement the Healthcare Services Personnel and Clinical Establishments (Prohibition of Violence and Damage to Property) Bill, 2019, also known as the Central Protection Act.

The 24-hour protest started at 6 am on Saturday.

Source: India Today