The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) informed the Supreme Court today that the trial of the rape and murder case of a trainee doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College is likely to conclude within a month. The trial, which is being held in a Special CBI Court in Sealdah, has made significant progress, with 43 out of 81 prosecution witnesses already deposed.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the CBI, stated that the court is conducting hearings four days a week, and expressed satisfaction with the trial's pace. The court has been monitoring the progress closely, and there is hope for an expedited conclusion.

The tragic incident, which occurred on August 9, 2018, led to the transfer of the case from the Kolkata Police to the CBI, after concerns were raised about the handling of the investigation. The CBI’s chargesheet identified Sanjay Roy, a civic volunteer, as the prime accused in the crime.

In addition to the ongoing trial, the CBI also shared updates regarding a separate investigation into financial irregularities at RG Kar Medical College, which has led to a chargesheet. However, prosecution sanction for this aspect of the case is still pending from the state government.

Meanwhile, advocate Vrinda Grover, representing the victim's family, urged the court to include individuals allegedly involved in the cover-up of the crime in a supplementary chargesheet. The Supreme Court has also been reviewing the progress of a National Task Force (NTF) set up to propose measures for the safety of medical professionals, with a final report expected within 12 weeks.

The next hearing is scheduled for March 2025, although an earlier date could be set if the trial faces delays. The Supreme Court has also called on states to improve measures against gender-based violence and enhance safety protocols for healthcare workers.

The Supreme Court has rejected a petition challenging the results of the CLAT PG 2025 examination, advising the petitioners to approach the Delhi High Court for further action. The bench, led by Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna, dismissed the plea filed by Anam Khan and Ayush Agarwal, who had raised objections to the provisional answer key released on December 2.

The petitioners had claimed that the answer key contained errors in 12 questions, and they also objected to the short, one-day window provided for raising objections. Additionally, they criticized the Rs 1,000 fee per objection as excessive. However, the Supreme Court dismissed these concerns, with the Chief Justice stating that the Rs 1,000 fee per objection was "not a big deal."

In its ruling, the court emphasized that it could not intervene as the court of first instance in such matters, stressing the importance of timely release of examination results. The bench raised concerns about the potential delays that could be caused by the apex court's involvement in such cases.

With the petition now dismissed, the petitioners have been advised to take their grievances to the Delhi High Court. The move highlights the judicial preference for allowing the High Court to address issues related to the examination, leaving the Supreme Court to focus on matters of national significance.

The decision comes as a setback for those challenging the CLAT PG 2025 results, but the path is still open for legal recourse through the High Court. This development underscores the importance of following proper legal channels and the need for timely resolution of disputes in academic examinations.

The Supreme Court of India has issued comprehensive guidelines to ensure the timely and fair processing of mercy petitions in death penalty cases. This move aims to prevent delays and safeguard the constitutional rights of death row inmates.

The guidelines specifically assign responsibilities to state governments, union territories, and sessions courts, setting clear protocols for the handling of mercy petitions. State Home or Prison Departments are now required to create dedicated cells tasked with managing mercy petitions. These cells will streamline the process and ensure a swift response.

A prescribed timeframe has been set for processing mercy petitions, ensuring that these petitions are handled without unnecessary delays. The guidelines mandate that records be maintained accurately and that death penalty cases be listed promptly in sessions courts to avoid procedural holdups. It requires state public prosecutors and investigative agencies to be notified about the status of appeals, reviews, or mercy petitions, ensuring transparency and accountability.

The Supreme Court has emphasized the urgent need for the expeditious processing of mercy petitions, underlining that death row convicts must not be subjected to undue delays in their legal proceedings. The court reminded the executive authorities of their duty to process these petitions in a timely manner, reiterating that unnecessary delays could infringe upon the convict’s constitutional rights.

This significant step underscores the importance of ensuring justice is not only fair but also timely. The Supreme Court's move is seen as a crucial effort to prevent the prolonged suffering of death row inmates while maintaining the integrity of the legal system. By enforcing these guidelines, the court aims to ensure that justice is served without unnecessary delay, upholding the constitutional rights of individuals, even those facing the death penalty.

After years of practicing law, some lawyers may feel the need for a change of pace or a new professional challenge. The good news is that the skills acquired in legal practice—such as analytical thinking, negotiation, and communication—are highly transferable to a wide range of alternative career paths. If you’re looking to explore new opportunities beyond the courtroom, here are 10 exciting career options for lawyers.

Corporate Consultant

In this role, lawyers can apply their knowledge of business law and regulatory frameworks to help companies navigate legal issues. By offering advice on compliance, risk management, and governance, corporate consultants help businesses operate within the bounds of the law while minimizing legal risks.

Mediator or Arbitrator

With expertise in conflict resolution, lawyers can excel in mediation and arbitration. These roles focus on helping disputing parties find mutually agreeable solutions outside of the courtroom. Lawyers’ negotiation skills are invaluable in facilitating these processes, making them highly sought after in resolving legal conflicts.

Policy Analyst

Policy analysts work with governments, think tanks, or private organizations to analyze, shape, and implement policies. Lawyers bring valuable insights into the legal implications of policy decisions, using their research and analytical skills to create policies that address pressing social, economic, and legal issues.

Business Development Manager

For those with strong networking and negotiation abilities, a career in business development can be a natural transition. Lawyers can use their understanding of contracts and corporate law to identify new opportunities, develop partnerships, and guide companies in building profitable ventures.

Journalist or Writer

For lawyers who have a flair for writing and enjoy research, becoming a journalist or writer can be an ideal alternative career. Writing about legal issues, public policy, or social justice, lawyers can use their expertise to create in-depth articles or content that informs the public on complex topics.

Academic or Professor

A legal career can also evolve into an academic path. Lawyers who enjoy teaching and mentoring can become professors, sharing their legal expertise with the next generation of law students. Academic careers also offer opportunities for research, publishing, and influencing future legal thought.

Government Relations Specialist

Government relations specialists work to advocate for a company’s or organization’s interests with government agencies. Lawyers’ in-depth understanding of legal processes and regulations makes them valuable assets in this field, helping organizations navigate the complexities of lobbying and public policy.

Compliance Officer

Many businesses, especially in regulated industries, need compliance officers to ensure they adhere to legal standards and regulations. Lawyers can leverage their understanding of the law to help companies develop and enforce policies that prevent legal violations and costly penalties.

Public Interest Advocate

For lawyers with a passion for social justice, working as a public interest advocate can be a fulfilling career. In this role, lawyers use their legal skills to advocate for marginalized communities, working with non-profits, government agencies, and other organizations to drive positive change in society.

Entrepreneur

With legal expertise and a problem-solving mindset, lawyers are well-positioned to launch their own businesses. Whether developing innovative products, services, or solutions, entrepreneurial lawyers can leverage their skills to create companies that meet market demands while ensuring legal compliance.

Law offers a wealth of transferable skills that can be applied to a wide range of careers beyond traditional legal practice. From policy analysis to entrepreneurship, the diverse career options available to lawyers provide opportunities to explore new fields while leveraging years of experience.