Calcutta High Court Division Bench Recuses From Hearing RG Kar Rape-Murder Case

A division bench of the Calcutta High Court comprising Justice Rajasekhar Mantha and Justice Rai Chattopadhyay has recused from hearing proceedings connected with the alleged larger conspiracy in the R.G. Kar rape and murder case.

The bench cited concerns over its roster and the number of pending matters, stating that it would not be able to give a detailed hearing to the case.

The development comes amid continuing proceedings in the case relating to the rape and murder of a junior doctor at the state-run R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata in August 2024.

The bench had earlier been hearing petitions concerning further investigation into the alleged larger conspiracy angle and had recently permitted the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to re-interrogate convicted accused Sanjoy Roy and question other suspects, if necessary.

The matter is now expected to be assigned to another division bench by the Chief Justice on the administrative side.

Notably, this is not the first recusal in the matter. Earlier, another division bench of Justices Debangshu Basak and Md. Shabbar Rashidi had also stepped aside from hearing the case after roster changes relating to criminal matters.

The matter will now await fresh assignment before an appropriate bench by the Chief Justice.