Calcutta HC Denies Time Extension in Ex-Medical College Principal’s Corruption Trial
Last Updated on February 6, 2025 by Amit Patra
The Calcutta High Court refuses to budge from its stand against any further delay in corruption trial of former principal of R G Kar College and Hospital Dr. Sandip Ghosh, by refusing to recall its earlier order that had denied him more time for preparation of his trial.
Justice Tirthankar Ghosh underlines the commitment of the court to expeditious justice, more so now that the trial has substantially progressed since the passing of the initial order. It rejected the contention of Ghosh that the voluminous CBI documents came in the way of his preparation of defense and held that the court must deal with the long delay of the trial.
The case is based on serious allegations of corruption and mismanagement by former medical superintendent Akhtar Ali, which was investigated by the CBI after the High Court transferred the probe from the state government’s SIT. Adding to the gravity of the situation, Ghosh was also questioned in connection with the brutal rape and murder case of a trainee doctor at the same institution, though the sole accused in that case, Sanjoy Roy, has since been sentenced to life imprisonment.
The rejection of the recall application by the court, citing precedents notwithstanding, only shows its reluctance to exercise powers under Article 226 when it felt that what is before it are dilatory tactics. This judgment is reflective of the larger mindset of the judiciary to not permit unnecessary delays of corruption cases, specifically those relating to public institutions. Ghosh’s lawyers have stated that they will appeal the decision to a division bench.
