In a significant development, the Supreme Court of India has decided to transfer the ongoing suo motu monitoring of the investigation into the RG Kar Medical College rape and murder case to the Calcutta High Court. This transfer includes all related matters, such as the proposed formation of a National Task Force (NTF) aimed at doctor safety.
Bench Directs Transfer to High Court
A bench comprising Justices MM Sundresh and Satish Chandra Sharma issued the order on Wednesday. The apex court concluded that since the Calcutta High Court is already actively monitoring the investigation and subsequent prosecution in this sensitive matter, it would be more appropriate for the High Court to handle all connected issues.
The bench emphasized the practical benefits of this move, noting the High Court's existing familiarity with the case's intricacies. This decision came after senior advocate Karuna Nundy, representing the victim's parents and a collective of 50,000 doctors, presented arguments before the court.
Status Report for Victim's Family and NTF Debate
During the proceedings, Advocate Nundy made a crucial request for the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) status report on the probe to be provided to the deceased's family. The Supreme Court bench accepted this plea and ordered the investigative agency to hand over the status report to the victim's family.
Nundy also urged the Supreme Court to conduct at least one hearing specifically concerning the National Task Force. She highlighted that the top court had previously stressed the need for a national consensus on remedial measures to ensure the safety of medical professionals. "I am representing the doctors of Bengal. Only one hearing is required to wrap this matter," she submitted to the bench.
Solicitor General's Submission and Final Order
However, the bench maintained its view that the Calcutta High Court was the proper forum for all aspects of the case. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the central government, supported this position. He submitted before the court that even issues pertaining to the proposed National Task Force could be effectively addressed by the High Court.
Consequently, the Supreme Court formally ordered the transfer of the suo motu case, which it had initially taken up to monitor the RG Kar rape-murder investigation. The case will now be entirely overseen by the Calcutta High Court, which will continue to supervise the CBI probe and consider the framework for the National Task Force.
