Calcutta High Court Today (Aug 21) emphasized the significance of the Supreme Court’s involvement in the matter, noting, “The Supreme Court in its order has covered all the issues raised here.” The Court further elaborated, “The Supreme Court has issued two orders, with the second one addressing all the matters currently before us.”
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KOLKATA: The Calcutta High Court today resumed hearings on a series of petitions concerning the tragic rape and murder of a resident doctor at RG Kar Medical College Hospital in Kolkata.
The case is being heard by a Bench comprising Chief Justice TS Sivagnanam and Justice H Bhattacharyya.
During the proceedings, the Court emphasized the significance of the Supreme Court’s involvement in the matter, noting,
“The Supreme Court in its order has covered all the issues raised here.”
The Court further elaborated,
“The Supreme Court has issued two orders, with the second one addressing all the matters currently before us.”
The victim’s lawyer requested a postponement of the case, suggesting,
“We request the case to be postponed until the 28th or 29th. Let’s wait and see the developments on the 27th.”
In response, the Court underscored the importance of judicial discipline, stating,
“Judicial discipline mandates our patience. The Hon’ble Supreme Court has acknowledged all relevant issues, including the CISF appointment, which is being addressed. We await the reports from the CBI and State by August 22.”
An advocate involved in the case commended the High Court’s approach, remarking,
“The Division Bench of the High Court has demonstrated clear wisdom in adhering to your directions.”
However, another lawyer expressed concerns about the broader implications for institutions, stating,
“My concern pertains to the State providing a report on compliance with PoSH across institutions.”
Addressing this, the Court mentioned,
“A task force has already been formed…”
but the lawyer interrupted, clarifying,
“That task force focuses on medical professionals; my concern is with all institutions.”
The Court responded by explaining that expanding the scope to all institutions would go beyond the purview of the 14 cases currently under consideration, reiterating that-
“Honble Supreme Court covered all the issues.”
As the Court read from the Supreme Court’s order, it reminded the lawyer urging for an order to prevent the disclosure of the victim’s identity,
“In our previous order, we requested that no pictures be uploaded. The Supreme Court’s decision explicitly directs that the victim’s identity must not be revealed.”
In addition, the Court addressed a petition filed by a doctor seeking to end the ongoing doctors’ protest.
The Court highlighted,
“The Honorable Supreme Court has already issued a clear order on this matter.” The Bench also noted its efforts to protect the victim’s family, stating, “We’ve also concealed the names of the victims’ parents, which you didn’t highlight.”
The lawyer suggested that the Court could encourage media outlets to voluntarily ensure the confidentiality of the victim and their family, stating,
“The Court could ask media outlets to voluntarily ensure that the identities of the victim and their family remain confidential. Those disclosing this information likely don’t realize the gravity of their actions.”
The Court agreed, responding,
“Yes, they will address that.”
The matter has been adjourned and is scheduled to be revisited on September 4, 2024.
Click Here to Read Previous Reports on Rape & Murder of a Doctor in Kolkata
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