Delhi Medical Association, CM of Delhi Recognizes Lawyer’s Pro Bono Contributions Towards Medical Fraternity
(Judicial Quest News Network)
It was a defining moment in the career of MS. Sneha Kalita AOR Supreme Court of India when she was honoured with the Noble Work Achievement Award by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Delhi, an accolade organized by the esteemed Delhi Medical Association (DMA).
Ms. Sneha Kalita, Advocate-on-Record at the Supreme Court of India, was honored with the Noble Work Achievement Award by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Delhi, an accolade presented by the Delhi Medical Association (DMA). She was the only female advocate and the only one from Assam to receive this prestigious recognition, highlighting her dedicated pro bono work for the medical community.
Ms. Kalita’s journey has been driven by a passion for protecting healthcare providers, advocating for stronger legal protections against violence and ensuring safer working conditions. She has fought tirelessly before the Supreme Court and High Courts, pushing for reforms and raising awareness on the increasing violence faced by medical professionals.
A pivotal moment in her career was her involvement in the RG Kar case, where she offered legal insights in the rape and murder of a doctor, calling for reforms to safeguard healthcare workers. Her work extends beyond legal arguments, influencing policies to improve security and address the challenges faced by healthcare providers.
The recognition underscores her efforts in ensuring justice for medical professionals and advancing legislative reforms. As the only female advocate from Assam, Ms. Kalita’s award also serves as an inspiration for young women, particularly from northeastern India, to pursue their dreams in law.
Looking ahead, Ms. Kalita remains committed to advocating for stronger laws, better protections, and the elimination of violence against healthcare professionals, ensuring that their voices are heard and their safety is upheld.
This recognition was particularly significant as she was the only female advocate and the only one hailing from Assam to be bestowed with this prestigious award. It not only marked a personal achievement but also highlighted the efforts she has put into advocating for the medical community and their safety, as well as for ensuring that justice prevails for healthcare providers who have faced undue challenges in the course of their duties.
The Road to the Award: A Commitment to Medical Fraternity’s Welfare
The journey leading up to this award has been one driven by passion and dedication to serving the medical community. As a legal professional, she has always believed in the power of the law to protect those who selflessly serve society, especially in sectors like healthcare. Her work, often pro bono, has been centred around advocating for doctors, nurses, and healthcare providers who put their lives at risk daily to save others. She realized early on that their contributions needed legal protection, especially against the alarming rise in violence against medical professionals in India.
Healthcare providers, unfortunately, face increasing incidents of violence, harassment, and threats from patients and their families. These acts of aggression, many of which result from misunderstandings or miscommunications, often create an unsafe environment for those in the medical field. Doctors, in particular, are vulnerable to physical assaults and verbal abuse despite the fact that their role is to heal, not to be harmed. It was a distressing reality that pushed me to become actively involved in fighting for their safety and well-being.
Championing the Cause of Medical Professionals’ Safety
One of the most rewarding parts of this journey has been her proactive involvement in the cause of prevention of violence against healthcare professionals. She has worked tirelessly to address this critical issue before the Supreme Court and various High Courts, pushing for stronger laws, better security measures, and the establishment of safer working conditions for doctors and healthcare workers.
Through several initiatives, she has been able to advocate for stricter penalties for those who assault or threaten medical professionals. She has also contributed to the creation of protocols aimed at enhancing the physical security in hospitals, ensuring that medical staff can perform their duties without fear of violence. Her efforts were not just confined to legal arguments but extended to raising awareness, guiding policymakers, and working alongside healthcare associations to make sure that laws evolve to address the realities of today’s healthcare environment.
The RG Kar Case: A Pivotal Moment
One of the most significant cases she was involved in was related to the tragic rape and murder of a doctor at the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata. The incident shocked the nation and raised critical questions about the safety of medical professionals. It also highlighted the pressing need for legal reforms to ensure the security of healthcare workers across the country.
In this particular case, she was actively involved in offering suggestions and legal insights before the Supreme Court, advocating for swift justice and emphasizing the urgent need for laws that protect healthcare providers from such heinous acts. She argued that the case was not just a crime against an individual but also an assault on the entire medical fraternity, highlighting the vulnerability of doctors working in hospitals. She pushed for stronger preventive measures and legal frameworks to protect healthcare professionals in such circumstances, and to ensure justice for the victim’s family.
The RG Kar case was particularly personal for her, as it involved the life of a fellow doctor—someone who, like many others, had dedicated their career to saving lives. The emotional and professional stakes were high, and she felt a deep responsibility to speak up for the medical community at such a critical moment. Being able to present solutions in such a high-profile case was both a privilege and a profound reminder of the importance of the work she is doing for the safety and justice of medical professionals.
The Impact of Her Work: Legal Advocacy and Policy Change
The recognition by the Delhi Medical Association and the Honorable Chief Minister of Delhi is a witness to the impact that dedicated legal advocacy can have in creating a safer environment for doctors and healthcare providers. It is a reflection of the tireless efforts I’ve put into addressing these issues, both in the courtroom and in the policy arena. My work has not been limited to just providing legal assistance but also extending guidance to improve healthcare professionals’ working conditions and safety protocols, ensuring that they are not exposed to the same kind of risks that have marred the careers of too many.
In the course of her work, she has engaged with multiple stakeholders—doctors’ associations, hospital administrations, policymakers, and the judiciary—to push for a holistic approach to this issue. Whether it is securing compensation for victims of violence or pushing for legislative reforms, she have made it my mission to ensure that medical professionals are not left to fend for themselves. The award is a recognition of these efforts, but more importantly, it is a reminder that the work is far from over.
A Personal Milestone: Honouring Her Roots and Advocacy
Being the only female advocate and the only one from Assam to receive the Noble Work Achievement Award was an overwhelming honor. It underscored the significance of diverse perspectives in legal advocacy, and she felt immensely proud to represent both my gender and my roots in a field that can often feel male-dominated and metropolitan-centric. This award is not only a recognition of my work but also an inspiration to other young women from smaller towns and cities, particularly from northeastern India, to pursue their dreams, no matter the challenges.
This recognition from the Chief Minister of Delhi and the Delhi Medical Association also reinforces my commitment to continue working for the welfare of the medical community and for the prevention of violence against doctors and healthcare providers. It serves as a reminder that advocacy is not just about representing clients—it’s about standing up for what’s right and ensuring that everyone, no matter their profession, can work in an environment free from harm.
Looking Ahead: A Continued Commitment to Justice and Safety
Receiving this award was a proud moment in my career, but it also marks a new chapter in my ongoing efforts to make a difference. As she move forward, I remain committed to pushing for stronger laws, better protections, and the elimination of violence against healthcare professionals. The legal battle for their safety and justice is far from over, and I will continue to be their advocate, ensuring that their voices are heard and their rights are protected in every corner of the nation.
This recognition has only fuelled my resolve to work harder, push further, and be a voice for those who heal, protect, and serve us every day. I am proud to stand alongside the medical fraternity in their fight for a safer and more secure environment, and I will continue to do so with dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment.
Delhi Medical Association and Chief Minister Acknowledges the lawyers probono work of a Lawyer
