The Supreme Court has allowed the parents of the slain RG Kar Medical College doctor to pursue their petition for an extended probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into the case, even as it deferred hearing recommendations on healthcare professional safety. The decision, announced on Monday, enables the Calcutta High Court to continue its review of the parents’ plea while further examination of the National Task Force’s recommendations is postponed until the third week of May.
The parents, seeking to uncover the alleged involvement of additional individuals in the case, have specifically pointed to the role of the former principal of the RG Kar hospital, Sandip Ghosh. They argue that beyond the primary accused, Sanjay Roy, whose life term was confirmed by a Sealdah sessions court on January 20, there may be other culpable parties whose actions warrant investigation. Through senior advocate Karuna Nundy, the parents have requested clarification from the Supreme Court to allow the single judge bench of the Calcutta High Court to continue considering their petition for a more in-depth inquiry by the CBI. Nundy emphasized that, as the CBI had already submitted its status reports on the investigation and trial to the top court, further judicial oversight was necessary to address unresolved aspects of the case.
The Supreme Court, responding to this plea, clarified that the Calcutta High Court’s single judge bench is empowered to proceed with the parents’ request for an additional probe. This development comes at a time when the CBI’s appeal, which demands the death sentence for Sanjay Roy, is still pending before the high court. The decision to allow the additional probe marks a significant step in the judicial process, as it aims to ensure that all dimensions of the case, including any possible involvement of Sandip Ghosh and other entities, are thoroughly examined.
Additionally, the matter of the National Task Force’s recommendations on the safety of healthcare professionals was scheduled for consideration before a bench comprising Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna along with Justices Sanjay Kumar and Joymala Bagchi. However, the hearing on this issue has been deferred, with the next session set to begin in the week commencing May 13, a change necessitated by the impending retirement of CJI Khanna on that date.
This ruling underscores the judiciary’s commitment to a comprehensive investigation and reflects the mounting pressure on law enforcement agencies to provide clarity in high-profile cases. The parents’ persistence, coupled with the court’s willingness to scrutinize the investigation further, highlights the ongoing quest for accountability in matters of public interest and the safety of healthcare professionals.
