The Supreme Court is examining the possibility of transferring the high-profile RG Kar rape-murder case either to the Delhi High Court or the Calcutta High Court, citing procedural and logistical concerns. The court had taken suo motu cognizance of the case in 2024 following widespread outrage in West Bengal.
‘Case Cannot Be Heard in Fragments’
During the latest hearing, the bench observed that the Calcutta High Court is already dealing with multiple petitions related to the same incident. Because of this, the Supreme Court said the matter cannot be heard “in fragments” or split between different courts.
The bench has directed senior advocate Karuna Nundy, who represents junior and senior doctors, to submit a detailed chart of all pending cases before the Calcutta High Court related to this matter.
Allegations of Harassment Against Protesting Doctors
Nundy informed the court that doctors participating in protests are being harassed and repeatedly summoned by the police for questioning. She urged the Supreme Court to grant protection to them.
However, the court clarified that it cannot issue a blanket protection order at this stage. The bench assured that the concerns raised will be considered during the next hearing.
“We are already dealing with numerous complicated issues—there seems to be no end,” the bench remarked, adding that the Calcutta High Court is better positioned to monitor ongoing protests and related developments.
Next Hearing After Winter Vacation
The court announced that further proceedings will be taken up after the winter recess, when the transfer question will be reviewed again.
Background of the Case
The incident occurred on 9 August last year, when the body of a postgraduate trainee doctor was found in a seminar room at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College. The next day, Kolkata Police arrested a man named Sanjay Roy.
On 20 January, a trial court convicted Roy and sentenced him to life imprisonment. The gruesome crime triggered massive protests across West Bengal, especially among healthcare professionals demanding justice and safety reforms.
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