Today, On 22nd August, The Calcutta High Court described the incident concerning Dr. Sandip Ghosh’s plea against the “media trial” of the RG Kar Medical College rape and murder case as one of global significance. The court acknowledged the widespread attention the case garnered, highlighting the impact of media coverage on judicial proceedings.
Kolkata: The Calcutta High Court, in addressing the petition by former RG Kar Medical College Principal Dr. Sandip Ghosh seeking to curb a “media trial,” noted that the incident gained global significance.
The Court remarked that imposing restrictions on media or intermediaries at this point is unnecessary, beyond the expectation that they will act responsibly.
Read Also: Kolkata Doctor’s Rape-Murder: Cal HC Directs Bengal Govt to Produce Case Diary At 1 pm
Justice Shampa Sarkar stated,
“An indiscriminate order of restraint on the media or the intermediaries at this stage, on the pleadings before this Court, is uncalled for.”
Advocate Biswaroop Bhattacharya represented the Appellant, while Advocate Rajdeep Mazumdar represented the Respondent.
Dr. Sandip Ghosh, the Petitioner, contended that media outlets have been disseminating false and damaging stories implicating him in the August 9, 2024, incident at R.G. Kar Hospital. He, along with his wife, claimed that these reports have incited public outrage, resulting in a mob (gherao) surrounding their residence.
They further asserted that the media coverage has hindered the ongoing CBI investigation, tarnished their reputation, infringed upon their privacy, and inflicted severe mental distress on their family.
The Petitioners argued that the media has a responsibility to report factual information rather than engage in speculative fact-finding, as these unverified reports have led to character assassination, potentially influencing the outcome of legal proceedings.
Regarding the allegations against respondents 5 to 8 and 10, the Court noted that the Press Council Act, 1978 provides an appropriate remedy, and the petitioners are free to take their grievances to the Council.
The Court stated,
“The writ petition should not be entertained in the absence of any specific pleading as to how any of the social media platforms or the print and electronic media had conducted a media trial.”
Additionally, the Court observed,
“The media is often referred to as the fourth pillar of democracy. It fulfils a crucial role by keeping the public informed and knowledgeable, ensuring that individuals participate in matters of national importance.”
The Court subsequently dismissed the Writ Petition.
Read Also: [Doctor’s Rape and Murder Case] Calcutta HC Permits BJP’s 5-Day Protest
The Appellant represented by Advocates Biswaroop Bhattacharya, Md. Zohaib Rauf, and Sumitava Chakraborty.
On the other hand, the Respondent represented by a team of Advocates including Rajdeep Mazumdar, Moyukh Mukherjee, Amitesh Banerjee, Anirban Ray, Md. T.M. Siddiqui, Debangshu Dinda, Varun Kothari, Nikunj Belia, Mosarat Reyaz, Ratnanko Banerji, Arunabha Deb, Soumabho Ghosh, and Ashika Daga.
FOLLOW US FOR MORE LEGAL UPDATES ON YOUTUBE
