Kolkata Rape-Murder Case SC Hearing: CJI Expresses Deep Concern Over Victim's Identity Exposure
Kolkata Rape-Murder Case: Supreme Court Expresses Grave Concern Over Victim’s Identity Exposure
In a significant hearing on Tuesday, the Supreme Court of India expressed its deep disquiet regarding the widespread dissemination of the name and photograph of the victim involved in the Kolkata rape and murder case. The case, which centers around the brutal rape and murder of a junior postgraduate doctor in Kolkata, has drawn nationwide attention and outrage.
Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud, while addressing the issue during a suo motu plea, voiced his grave concerns over the violation of the law that prohibits the publication of a victim’s identity. He stated, “Deeply concerned of the fact that the name, photograph of the victim is all over India. We are deeply concerned about the fact that the name, photo, and video clip of the Kolkata rape victim was published all over. The law prohibits publishing victims’ names. Is this the way we provide dignity to the young doctor who has lost her life?”
A Horrific Crime and Delayed Justice
The Supreme Court sharply criticized the West Bengal government for its handling of the case, particularly the delay in registering the First Information Report (FIR) and the alleged tampering with the crime scene. The Court described the incident as “horrific” and “horrendous,” emphasizing the need for strict adherence to legal procedures in such sensitive cases.
Adding to the concerns, the CJI revealed that the Supreme Court plans to issue an order for the establishment of a National Task Force. This task force would be responsible for making recommendations to ensure that moral and ethical standards are upheld across the country, particularly in ensuring safety at workplaces. “SC to pass order for National Task Force to make recommendations that morality should be followed all over the country for ensuring safety at the workplace,” said CJI Chandrachud.
College Principal Under Scrutiny
The Supreme Court also raised serious questions about the role of the college principal, who allegedly attempted to dismiss the incident as a suicide. The Court was informed that the parents of the deceased were not even allowed to view their daughter’s body, adding further to the suspicions surrounding the case.
The bench, presided over by Chief Justice Chandrachud and comprising Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, has prioritized this matter, listing it at the top of the cause list for the hearing scheduled for August 20 at 10:30 am. The petition, filed on August 9, aims to broaden the scope of judicial scrutiny to ensure comprehensive justice in this case, according to reports by Hindustan Times.
Investigation Handed Over to CBI
In light of the severe nature of the crime and the apparent lapses in the initial investigation, the Calcutta High Court transferred the case to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on August 13. The move to involve the CBI underscores the seriousness of the case and the need for an unbiased and thorough investigation.
The case, titled “In Re: Alleged rape and murder incident of a trainee doctor in RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata, and related issue,” has sparked widespread calls for justice and highlighted the urgent need for reforms in how such cases are handled, both in terms of legal proceedings and media coverage.
The Kolkata rape murder case serves as a grim reminder of the challenges faced in ensuring justice and dignity for victims of such heinous crimes. The Supreme Court’s intervention, especially its concern over the public exposure of the victim’s identity, is a crucial step in addressing these issues. As the nation awaits the Court’s directives and the outcome of the CBI investigation, it is imperative that both legal and societal standards are strengthened to prevent such tragedies in the future.
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