SC refuses to move Kolkata doctor’s rape-murder trial outside Bengal; Directs fast-track proceedings

The Supreme Court of India on Thursday dismissed a plea requesting the transfer of the high-profile rape and murder trial of a doctor from Kolkata’s R G Kar Medical College and Hospital to a different state. Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, leading a bench with Justices J.B. Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, emphasized that the trial court in Kolkata holds adequate authority to mandate further investigation if needed, based on evidence. This decision comes amidst public scrutiny and concerns about the neutrality of local proceedings.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) was assigned the case on August 14 by order of the Calcutta High Court, following initial delays in filing a First Information Report (FIR) by Kolkata police. The CBI filed multiple status reports with the Supreme Court, including the sixth report, which noted that formal charges had been framed against primary accused Sanjay Roy in Sealdah’s Sessions Court on November 4. The Supreme Court has now set a day-to-day trial to begin from November 11, prioritizing the case’s expedited handling.

During Thursday's hearing, the lawyer representing the victim’s family argued for a transfer, citing concerns about the fairness of the trial in West Bengal and alleging eroded public trust in local authorities. The Supreme Court rejected this argument, clarifying that trial transfers are rare and only occur in exceptional cases, such as in the recent case of Manipur violence. The bench stated that the legal framework allows for continued proceedings in the current court, as further updates are still anticipated in the investigation.

Alongside case proceedings, the Supreme Court examined findings from the National Task Force (NTF), established specifically to develop protocols for the protection of healthcare professionals. In response to concerns about violence faced by medical staff, the NTF submitted recommendations addressing measures to prevent both physical and sexual violence within healthcare facilities. The Court directed that the NTF report be distributed to all states and union territories to assist in formulating improved safety practices in the medical sector. The Court ordered the CBI to file another status update in four weeks, detailing any additional findings. The NTF’s report was further instructed to be shared with Chief Secretaries across states and union territories, allowing for coordinated efforts to implement protective measures in hospitals nationwide.