The Supreme Court of India has once again deferred the suo motu case concerning the brutal rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.
Originally scheduled for November 5, the hearing has now been postponed, with the Court planning to review the status reports on November 7. The case, which has drawn national attention, was set to receive updates from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) regarding both the crime and financial irregularities at the hospital.
Additionally, the West Bengal government was directed by the Supreme Court to submit an affidavit outlining the recruitment process for municipal volunteers and measures to ensure the safety of hospitals and educational institutions. These directives come amid concerns about the security of medical staff and students, especially following the tragic incident at the RG Kar Medical College.
On November 4, the accused, Sanjay Roy, appeared before Sealdah Court and denied the charges, claiming he was being "framed." He faces serious allegations in connection with the horrific crime. The court framed charges against Roy under sections 64, 66, and 103(1) of the Bharatiya Nyay Sahita, with the trial scheduled to begin on November 11. The trial is expected to proceed on a daily basis, excluding vacations.
During the proceedings, Roy's counsel requested that the trial be stayed, citing an alleged conspiracy surrounding the charges. This motion has added further complexity to the case, prompting the Supreme Court to push back its hearing until Thursday, November 7. The bench, led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud, along with Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, will review the CBI’s findings and the West Bengal government's response in the upcoming hearing.
As the legal process unfolds, the case continues to draw attention to issues of safety in medical institutions and the handling of sensitive matters by law enforcement authorities.