Lack of accommodation, No support to CISF at RG Kar Hospital: Centre moves SC

Kolkata: The Centre has filed an application in the Supreme Court, expressing serious concerns over the challenges faced by Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel deployed at RG Kar Medical College. The application highlights that CISF officers are struggling due to inadequate accommodation, insufficient security equipment, and lack of proper transportation.

According to an ANI report, in its application, the Centre requested the Supreme Court to direct the West Bengal government to fully cooperate with the CISF and ensure complete compliance with the court's order dated August 20. The Centre warned that failure to comply could result in contempt proceedings for wilful non-compliance.

CISF personnel have been stationed at RG Kar Medical College and its hostels, where resident doctors reside, to ensure their safety. Since August 22, 2024, two CISF companies, comprising 184 personnel—including 54 female officers led by a Lady Officer—have been deployed in three shifts.

"The number of vehicles and other logistical support requested by the CISF was much larger. Further, no accommodation or security gadgets have been provided by the Kolkata Police, which was their bounden duty as per the undertaking before this Court," the Centre stated in its application.

The Centre further highlighted that the lack of accommodation, security gadgets, and transportation is causing significant difficulties for the CISF personnel, particularly the female contingent, who must commute from various locations. This situation is deemed highly detrimental given the current circumstances in West Bengal.

"The CISF personnel deployed at R.G. Kar Hospital are facing severe difficulties due to the lack of accommodation and basic security infrastructure. The troops are currently staying at the CISF Unit SMP, Kolkata, despite the constraints being faced by the accommodating unit. The travel time from SMP Kolkata to R.G. Kar Hospital is nearly one hour each way, making it difficult to discharge duties effectively and to mobilise CISF troops promptly during contingencies," the application stated, news agency ANI reported.

As a result, the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, raised the issue with the Chief Secretary, Government of West Bengal, via a letter dated September 2, 2024, requesting adequate logistical arrangements and security gadgets.

However, the Centre reports that there has been no response from the state government.

The Centre argued that the inaction of the West Bengal government, despite repeated requests, reflects a systemic malaise where non-cooperation with Central Agencies operating under Court orders has become the norm.

Such wilful non-compliance with the Supreme Court's orders by a State Government is not only contemptuous but also violates constitutional and moral principles, the Centre stated.

The Centre concluded by stating that due to the unexpected, unjustifiable, and unpardonable actions of the State Government, it has been compelled to approach the Supreme Court. The Centre urged the Court to direct the West Bengal Government to cooperate with the CISF so that its personnel can perform their duties without any inconvenience.