Kolkata, Sep 27 (UNI) The Calcutta High Court has directed the West Bengal Government to file an affidavit regarding alleged toxic environment of intimidation and fear in state-run medical colleges and hospitals, court sources said on Friday.

A division bench headed by Chief Justice T S Sivagnanam on Thursday sought a reply from the state in response to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by a medic, who is also a social activist, alleging rampant threats in medical colleges and hospitals across the state.



The PIL alleged instances of bribery, corruption, sexual harassment, and abuse among medical students and junior doctors in the government hospitals.

While asking the state to file a response, the Chief Justice said, “If any one or more such allegations are found to be true, the matter is a very serious issue.”

The court fixed the next hearing in the case on November 21.

The double bench also noted the petitioner's mention of a "north Bengal lobby," which allegedly dictated transfers and promotions in these institutions.

The National Medical Commission and the West Bengal Medical Council, both respondents in the petition, were also directed to submit their reports.
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