You are agents of god, don’t resort to strike: Supreme Court to doctors

The PIL had contended that doctors have no ethical, moral or legal right to deny treatment to the ailing citizens by going on strike.

The Supreme Court Tuesday described doctors as “agents of the god” and expressed hope that they would not resort to strike in the interest of the society. The court, however, refrained from issuing any directions to the Medical Council of India (MCI) to take punitive action against the medical professionals for their denial to work.

A bench of Chief Justice H L Dattu and A K Sikri said the purpose of the petition by NGO ‘People for Better Treatment’ for declaring strike by doctors as illegal was “commendable” but the court could not issue directions.

“This (medical profession) is a noble service. God has created doctors to save life. Being god’s agent, they should not go on strike. We can express our desire. Beyond that a positive direction cannot be issued, when we know that it is difficult to implement our order,” the bench said, dismissing the petition.

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The bench reminded NGO counsel M N Krishnamani that although the court had in 2003 held strike by lawyers as illegal too but they also have been indulging in such protests.

The PIL had contended that doctors have no ethical, moral or legal right to deny treatment to the ailing citizens by going on strike.

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