Calcutta High Court Division Bench Recuses Itself from RG Kar Rape-Murder Case
A division bench of the Calcutta High Court has formally recused itself from hearing appeals related to the high-profile RG Kar Medical College trainee doctor's rape-murder case. The bench, comprising Justice Debangsu Basak and Justice Shabbar Rashidi, stated on Wednesday that it no longer possesses the jurisdiction to adjudicate this criminal appeal matter.
Case Referred to Chief Justice for Reassignment
The bench explicitly cited that it is not currently taking up criminal appeal cases and has consequently released the appeals. The matter has now been officially sent to Chief Justice Sujoy Paul for appropriate reassignment to another competent bench. The justices noted that this case was originally assigned to their bench approximately one year ago, but jurisdictional constraints now prevent them from proceeding further.
Victim's Parents Seek Further Probe; Application Also Released
In a parallel development, the parents of the victim filed a formal application requesting a further investigation into the tragic incident. This application was also released by the division bench alongside the main appeals. The parents are being represented by senior advocate Jayanta Narayan Chatterjee, who is advocating for a more thorough probe to ensure justice is served.
Supreme Court's Previous Intervention and Case Background
This case has a significant judicial history. In December, the Supreme Court of India took suo motu cognisance of the matter and subsequently transferred it to the Calcutta High Court. The apex court's bench, consisting of Justices M M Sundresh and Satish Chandra Sharma, directed that the High Court would monitor the implementation of its orders. The Supreme Court also mandated that a copy of the status report be provided to the victim's parents.
The case stems from a horrific incident where the body of a Post Graduate Trainee (PGT) doctor was discovered in the seminar room of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9, 2024. The trainee doctor was a victim of rape and murder, sparking widespread outrage and demands for a swift and transparent investigation.
Ongoing Judicial Process and Next Steps
With the division bench's recusal, the judicial process now awaits the decision of Chief Justice Sujoy Paul, who will reassign the case to an appropriate bench. This development underscores the complexities and procedural nuances involved in high-stakes criminal appeals. The legal community and the victim's family are closely watching the next steps, hoping for a prompt and fair continuation of the judicial proceedings to deliver justice in this deeply distressing case.
