Why Did Calcutta HC's RG Kar Rape & Murder Case Judge Recuse Himself?
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Synopsis
In a shocking turn of events, Justice Debangshu Basak of the Calcutta High Court has recused himself from the high-profile R.G. Kar rape and murder case. This decision raises questions about the ongoing legal proceedings and the quest for justice by the victim's family. What might this mean for the future of the case?
Key Takeaways
- Justice Basak recused from the R.G. Kar case.
- The case will be handled by Acting Chief Justice Sujay Paul.
- The victim's parents are advocating for a renewed investigation.
- The CBI's efforts have been challenged by the victim's family.
- The case is under scrutiny from both the Calcutta High Court and the Supreme Court.
Kolkata, Nov 6 (NationPress) Justice Debangshu Basak, known as the lead judge of a division bench at the Calcutta High Court, has stepped back from presiding over the R.G. Kar rape and murder case. This decision was made on Thursday, but the reasons for his recusal remain undisclosed.
The case will now be passed to the Acting Chief Justice Sujay Paul of the Calcutta High Court, who will appoint a new division bench to continue the proceedings.
The parents of the junior doctor, who tragically fell victim to this heinous crime within the premises of the state-run R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata last August, have persistently sought a renewed investigation. They approached the single-judge bench of Justice Tirthankar Ghosh due to their dissatisfaction with the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)'s efforts, which named civic volunteer Sanjay Roy as the sole perpetrator.
They have voiced concerns that their daughter’s rape and murder is part of a more extensive conspiracy involving powerful figures.
Earlier this year, Justice Ghosh also recused himself from the case, prompting the victim's family to approach the division bench headed by Justice Basak and Justice Md. Shabbar Rashidi.
Following Justice Basak's recusal, the case is now also being reviewed by the Supreme Court and a trial court in Kolkata.
The trial court had previously identified Sanjay Roy, a former civic volunteer with the Kolkata Police, as the sole accused and sentenced him to life imprisonment. However, the CBI contested this verdict and has appealed to the Calcutta High Court seeking the death penalty for Roy.
Point of View
I believe that transparency and accountability are crucial in high-profile cases like the R.G. Kar incident. The recusal of judges not only complicates the pursuit of justice but also highlights the systemic issues within our legal framework. We must ensure that the victim's family receives the justice they deserve, irrespective of the challenges ahead.
NationPress
06/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the R.G. Kar rape and murder case?
The R.G. Kar rape and murder case involves the tragic incident of a junior doctor at the R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, who was raped and murdered in August of the previous year.
Why did Justice Debangshu Basak recuse himself?
The reasons behind Justice Basak's recusal from the case have not been disclosed, leaving many questions unanswered regarding the continued legal proceedings.
What actions have the victim's parents taken?
The victim's parents have sought a fresh investigation into the case, expressing dissatisfaction with the CBI's findings that named civic volunteer Sanjay Roy as the sole accused.
What is the current status of the case?
The case is currently being reviewed at both the Calcutta High Court and the Supreme Court, following the recusal of key judges.
What was the trial court's ruling?
The trial court identified Sanjay Roy as the accused and sentenced him to life imprisonment, but this ruling is now under appeal by the CBI, which seeks a death sentence.
