The Supreme Court on Friday, September 6, dismissed a petition filed by Dr Sandip Ghosh, former Principal of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, challenging the Calcutta High Court’s order to transfer the investigation into financial irregularities during his tenure to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
As LiveLaw reported, the decision was delivered by a bench comprising Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, along with Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra.
During the hearing, Chief Justice Chandrachud emphasized that as an accused, Dr Ghosh has no standing to intervene in a public interest litigation (PIL) when the High Court oversees the investigation and has decided to transfer it to the CBI. The bench also noted that the issue of biomedical waste management at the hospital was a significant factor prompting the High Court's decision to ensure a thorough investigation.
Senior Advocate Meenakshi Arora, representing Dr Ghosh, argued that the PIL was initiated by former hospital staff Akhtar Ali, whose previous PILs had been dismissed by the High Court. However, the Supreme Court maintained that intervening was unnecessary, stating that the High Court intended to see the matter through to its logical conclusion.
The case has garnered increased attention following the recent rape and murder of a 31-year-old female doctor at RG Kar Medical College, further intensifying scrutiny on Dr Ghosh’s tenure.