Calcutta High Court Bench Withdraws from R.G. Kar Case
Synopsis
In a significant legal development, the Calcutta High Court division bench recused itself from the R.G. Kar rape and murder case. This case, notorious for its brutality, will now be reassigned. The implications of this decision could be far-reaching.
Key Takeaways
Calcutta High Court's division bench recused itself from the R.G.
Judges cited a shift away from handling criminal cases.
Case now referred back to the Chief Justice for a new bench assignment.
Victim's parents demand a swift hearing and express dissatisfaction with the CBI's findings.
The CBI continues to investigate potential broader conspiracies.
Kolkata, March 11 (NationPress) A division bench of the Calcutta High Court, which was assigned the R.G. Kar rape and murder case by former Chief Justice T.S. Sivagnanam, officially withdrew from hearing the case on Wednesday.
The bench, comprised of Justice Debangshu Basak and Justice Md Shabbar Rashidi, noted that at the time it was assigned the case, it was handling criminal matters.
However, as this division bench no longer presides over criminal cases, the judges opted to recuse themselves and have referred the case back to the current Chief Justice Sujoy Paul, who will decide which new bench will take it up.
The judges also acknowledged that expediting the hearing, as requested by the victims' parents, is not feasible for their bench.
On the morning of August 9, 2024, the remains of a junior doctor from Kolkata's state-run R.G. Kar Medical College & Hospital – a victim of a horrific rape and murder – were found in a seminar hall within the hospital grounds.
Following extensive hearings, a trial court in Kolkata convicted Sanjay Roy, a former civic volunteer with Kolkata Police, as the sole perpetrator, sentencing him to life imprisonment. However, the victim's parents expressed dissatisfaction with the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) findings, particularly the identification of Roy as the only convict, and subsequently brought their grievances to the Calcutta High Court.
They also requested a swift hearing on the matter.
Meanwhile, the CBI continues its investigation into possible broader conspiracies related to the heinous crime and has submitted several progress reports to the trial court.
With Justices Basak and Rashidi stepping back from the case, it remains to be seen which new bench will take it up in the Calcutta High Court.
Point of View
The recusal of the Calcutta High Court bench from the R.G. Kar case highlights the complexities of the judiciary's role in serious criminal matters. As investigations continue, the public's demand for accountability and justice remains paramount. A new bench must now take the reins, ensuring a fair and thorough examination of this grave case.
NationPress
30 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the R.G. Kar case about?
The R.G. Kar case involves the rape and murder of a junior doctor at the R.G. Kar Medical College & Hospital, which has garnered significant public attention.
Why did the Calcutta High Court bench recuse itself?
The bench recused itself because it no longer handles criminal cases, leading to a referral back to the Chief Justice for reassignment.
What is the current status of the case?
The case is under investigation by the CBI, which is exploring a potential conspiracy related to the crime.
Who was convicted in the R.G. Kar case?
Sanjay Roy, a former civic volunteer with the Kolkata Police, was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment.
What are the victim's parents seeking?
The victim's parents are seeking a fast-tracked hearing and have raised concerns about the investigation's findings.
