Supreme Court schedules hearing on RG Kar rape-murder case for September 30

The Supreme Court has scheduled the next hearing on the suo motu petition concerning the rape and murder of a doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, West Bengal, for September 30. This follows a request from the West Bengal Government’s counsel to reschedule the hearing, which was originally slated for September 27. Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, leading the bench, granted the request.

During the previous hearing on September 17, Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, representing the State of West Bengal, informed the court that the Chief Minister had assured the West Bengal Junior Doctors’ Front that no punitive actions would be taken against doctors returning to work. This assurance followed concerns within the medical community about repercussions related to the case.

The court, led by Chief Justice Chandrachud and also including Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, expressed concern after reviewing the status report submitted by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

The court remark came when a lawyer raised issues like discrepancies in the seizure list, among others.

The top court has said that it is not going to share any details, as any disclosure may jeopardise the probe being conducted by the CBI.

The top court had denied stopping live streaming of the proceedings, saying that it is a matter of public interest.

Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal had raised concern about live streaming, saying that it is having huge implications and clarifying that he is not representing the accused but representing the state of West Bengal.

He highlighted that as soon as the court makes any comments, their reputation is being damaged. He also said that he has a reputed career of 50 years in the profession. Sibal had also said lawyers in his chamber are getting threats on social media.

Sibal pointed out that women working in his chamber are getting threats and being told that acid will be thrown at them and raped, etc. The top court said that it would step in if there were any threats to lawyers and others.