The Supreme Court Today (Dec 10) resumed hearing the high-profile case of the brutal rape and murder of a junior doctor from Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College & Hospital, led by Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar. The Court reviewed the progress of the investigation, with the CBI submitting its seventh progress report. The Chief Justice inquired about the status of the case in the lower courts, while the victim’s family lawyer requested a speedy trial. Senior Advocate Indira Jaising emphasized the need for an independent monitoring committee to oversee the implementation of the National Task Force’s recommendations. The Court also addressed the chargesheet filing timeline and discussed various suggestions made in the case, highlighting the importance of addressing these through proper channels.
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NEW DELHI: After a gap of 33 days, the Supreme Court of India resumed hearing the pivotal case of the horrific rape and murder of a junior doctor from Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College & Hospital.
The case, which has garnered nationwide attention, was brought before a bench headed by the new Chief Justice of India (CJI), Sanjiv Khanna, along with Justice Sanjay Kumar, Today-December 10, 2024.
At the outset of the hearing, Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna addressed the court’s crowded schedule, noting the number of pending applications.
“A large number of applications have been submitted. It will take a long time to hear all the applications. Just provide the application and necessary information,”
-he remarked.
This statement underscored the urgency of getting to the core issues of the case efficiently.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which has been handling the probe into the gruesome crime, submitted its seventh progress report to the Supreme Court. The report highlighted the steps taken thus far in the investigation.
The CBI’s report came after multiple updates had been shared with the court, underscoring the serious nature of the case.
As the hearing progressed, Chief Justice Khanna sought clarity on the ongoing legal proceedings in the lower courts.
“Does the accused have his own lawyer? Or has a lawyer been appointed from Legal Services?”
-the CJI asked.
The response from CBI’s lawyer, Tushar Mehta, was that the accused had been provided with a lawyer from the Legal Services. This exchange demonstrated the court’s close monitoring of the legal rights of the accused, as well as the progress of the case.
The victim’s family, who has been awaiting justice for the tragic loss of their loved one, expressed a desire for the trial to be expedited. The family’s lawyer appealed to the court for a swift conclusion to the proceedings, stating,
“The trial is going on every day except holidays. The trial could be over by next week.”
This statement reflected the family’s eagerness to see the case conclude as soon as possible.
During the hearing, senior advocate Indira Jaising raised concerns about the implementation of the National Task Force’s (NTF) recommendations, specifically with regard to the handling of such sensitive cases.
Jaising suggested that
“An independent monitoring committee is necessary to oversee the implementation of the National Task Force’s recommendations by the State of West Bengal.”
This suggestion was aimed at ensuring that the state government followed through with the recommendations effectively.
In response to this, Chief Justice Khanna addressed senior lawyer Kapil Sibal, stating,
“Whatever needs to be done, please take it up.”
This remark indicated the court’s intention to address all necessary matters promptly and take necessary actions as required.
The hearing also touched upon the filing of the chargesheet in the case. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta clarified the timeline, stating,
“The chargesheet was filed on November 29, but the sanction was sought on November 27.”
This clarification highlighted the procedural steps taken by the authorities in preparing for the trial.
As the hearing continued, the Chief Justice remarked,
“A large number of suggestions have been made,”
referring to the various inputs from different parties involved in the case. Solicitor General Mehta responded, stating,
“The NTF has been constituted, and those suggestions can be directed there instead of to Your Lordships.”
This exchange demonstrated the court’s focus on utilizing appropriate channels for addressing the suggestions and recommendations made by various stakeholders.
Hearing the plea of the junior doctors’ lawyer, the Chief Justice said,
“Tell the National Task Force what you have to say. We can instruct the task force.” At the same time, the Chief Justice said, the trial will be over within a month. Can I take this into my record?”
As the Supreme Court resumed the hearing of this high-profile case, it continued to prioritize swift justice, ensuring that all relevant parties, including the accused and the victim’s family, are provided with due process. The proceedings emphasized the need for effective monitoring and the implementation of recommendations from the National Task Force.
The Chief Justice’s approach indicated a strong desire to handle the case efficiently while addressing the concerns raised by all sides. The hearing is set to continue, with the hope of bringing closure to the victim’s family and ensuring justice is served in this brutal case.
![[BREAKING] RG KAR Rape-Murder | CJI Khanna Seeks DNA Report, Victim's Family Seeks Speedy Trial](https://i0.wp.com/lawchakra.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Court-No-1-2-2.jpg?resize=820%2C471&ssl=1)
The last hearing, on November 7, was presided over by a three-judge bench that included the then CJI DY Chandrachud, Justice JB Pardiwala, and Justice Manoj Misra.
This Supreme Court hearing coincides with the trial already underway in a special fast-track court in Kolkata. The trial is being conducted daily to expedite the case.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which is handling the case, is expected to submit its seventh status report on the investigation to the Supreme Court. In its initial charge sheet, the CBI named civic volunteer Sanjay Roy as the “sole prime accused” in the rape and murder.
The investigation has also implicated former RG Kar principal Dr Sandip Ghosh and former Tala Police Station Station House Officer (SHO) Abjijit Mondal. They face allegations of tampering with evidence and misleading the initial probe by Kolkata Police.
Both Dr Ghosh and Mondal remain in judicial custody, which was extended until December 13 by a special Kolkata court on Monday.
The CBI has informed the court that it is examining CCTV footage from the RG Kar premises as part of its ongoing investigation.
The junior doctor’s body was discovered under mysterious circumstances in the seminar hall of the hospital on the morning of August 9, sparking outrage and demands for justice.
Click Here to Read Previous Reports on RG Kar Rape-Murder
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