The horrific rape and murder of a young female doctor at RG Kar Medical College in West Bengal claimed numerous lives and plunged the state into chaos. Despite the passage of four months since the crime, justice remains unfulfilled. "How much longer must we wait?" the victim's devastated family and a nation demanding responsibility wonder.

Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna led the Supreme Court in hearing the case on Tuesday, raising painful questions about its slow pace. Chief Justice Khanna asked Justice Sanjay Kumar about the status of the trial in the lower court. How soon is this going to end?" These questions reflect the thoughts of a family seeking closure.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has filed its chargesheet, and hearings in the Sealdah court are currently ongoing. The CBI's Additional Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the bench that they had recorded the testimony from 43 out of the 52 witnesses and assured them that the trial would conclude within a month. However, Chief Justice Khanna probed further, saying, "Can we truly record this timeline?" His skepticism mirrored his growing dissatisfaction with the extended delays.

Mehta further stated that legal aid programs provided a lawyer to represent the accused, who was unable to obtain private counsel.

Senior counsel Brinda Grover, who represents the victim's family, urged for a speedy settlement. "Every day is a lifetime for the family," she emphasized. Grover expressed hope that the daily ongoing processes would conclude within a week. However, outside the courthouse, the victim's parents expressed their distress.

"We've been waiting for four months, only to encounter more delays. We are fighting for justice, but it appears that the system is failing us," the father bemoaned, his voice filled with dread. They accused the CBI of being unresponsive, in sharp contrast to its earlier engagement.

"We sent messages and called, but there was no response," the mother explained. However, despite their frustration, their resolve remains unwavering. "We refuse to surrender. We will persevere until justice prevails."

DNA evidence became a prominent element of the hearing. Chief Justice Khanna highlighted its significance and demanded clarification on whether the DNA results matched. Mehta confirmed this, reassuring the court of the meticulous handling of the key material.

The panel also addressed claims of financial impropriety at RG Kar Medical College. Mehta asserted that the state's refusal to obtain permission to prosecute two government officials had hampered the CBI's probe. Senior attorney Kapil Sibal, who represents the state, disputed any such delay. Chief Justice Khanna forced the state to respond quickly, emphasizing the importance of responsibility at all levels.

In a broader direction, the Supreme Court charged the National Task Force (NTF) with addressing the safety of healthcare practitioners nationally. The Supreme Court instructed the NTF to establish an email-based complaints procedure and deliver a report within 12 weeks. The task force received Advocate Indira Jaising's request for an independent oversight committee. "Raise your concerns there," the Chief Justice said.

As the hearing ended, the victim's parents stood outside the courtroom, their anguish evident. "We count days, hours, and seconds. "We measure time in our never-ending wait for justice," they murmured, their voices heavy with sadness. Despite their sadness, they are determined. "We are disappointed, but we remain hopeful. "We will not stop fighting."

The RG Kar Medical College case serves as a sobering reminder of the problems with India's judicial system. Despite the Supreme Court's involvement offering hope, the victim's family continues to endure unbearable suffering as they wait for justice that seems elusive. As the next hearing approaches in March, the nation waits, hoping that this family's unwavering fight will eventually bring them peace.