SC postpones hearing in RG Kar case amid high-profile proceedings, CBI report expected Wednesday

The Supreme Court has officially postponed the hearing in the RG Kar case, which involves serious allegations of murder and rape against a doctor. The hearing was originally set for Tuesday afternoon before Chief Justice DY Chandrachud but has now been rescheduled for Wednesday morning. This case has garnered significant public attention following the discovery of the body of the female doctor at RG Kar Hospital on August 9, 2023.

The case consists of two distinct investigations. The first investigation focuses on the alleged rape and murder of the doctor-student, while the second investigation pertains to allegations of financial corruption linked to the circumstances surrounding her death. Both investigations are being carried out by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which has been authorized to collect evidence, conduct forensic analysis, and interview key witnesses. The CBI is expected to provide a comprehensive report to the Supreme Court, detailing its findings and any significant developments related to the case. In addition to the CBI's report, the West Bengal government was mandated to file an affidavit regarding its involvement in the investigation and any measures taken to address the issues raised by the case.

The Supreme Court had designated the RG Kar case as number 21 on its agenda for the day; however, the hearing was delayed due to lengthy discussions related to other major cases being heard, including proceedings before a nine-judge constitutional bench, which require considerable judicial attention and time. The Supreme Court's decision to reschedule the hearing means that the justices will soon review the findings of the CBI and consider the implications of the ongoing investigations. The potential outcomes of this case could influence legal standards regarding the handling of allegations of misconduct within medical institutions and the accountability of healthcare professionals.