SC directs Bengal govt to provide accommodation, security equipment to CISF at RG Kar

The Supreme Court on Monday directed the West Bengal government to liaise with the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and ensure accommodation and availability of security gadgets needed by its personnel deployed at the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata by this evening.

A bench headed by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud directed the state government to nominate a senior officer from the home department and a top CISF officer to act jointly and ensure that all three companies of the central paramilitary force are provided proper accommodation.

The top court noted the Centre's submission that one company of the CISF has been accommodated at RMA Quarters in RG Kar College, a Kolkata Municipal Corporation School and at Indira Matri Sadan.

"Arrangements have been made for providing six buses and four trucks and three light motor vehicles. We direct the state government to provide all requisition by 5 pm and security gadgets by 9 pm," the bench said.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the CBI, said three companies of CISF have been deployed for providing security at the hospital and the personnel, including women, have not been provided adequate accommodation.

Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for the West Bengal government, however, claimed all facilities that the force sought have been extended to them.

Sibal submitted that most personnnel were staying on the hospital premises.

The Centre had on September 3 moved the apex court alleging "unpardonable" non-cooperation by the West Bengal government in providing logistical support to the CISF.