RG Kar Hospital Rape and Murder Case: Supreme Court Refuses to Transfer the Case from West Bengal to Another State

In a recent development in the RG Kar Hospital Rape and Murder case, the Supreme Court (SC) of India today (November 07, 2024) refused to transfer the trial on the case from West Bengal to another state. During the proceedings, an oral request was made by one counsel to shift the trial out of West Bengal due to the prevalence of ‘disturbing circumstances’. The matter was heard by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, Justice JB Pardiwala, and Justice Manoj Misra. The CJI said, “Yes, we have done it in cases like Manipur. But we are not doing anything like that here. No such transfer.” Moreover, another counsel contended “The people of West Bengal have lost faith in the judiciary and police of the State,” CJI replied, “Do not talk about people...who are you appearing for? Do not make such general statements. Canteen gossip happening in court!” Apart from this, it was submitted that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had not done an appropriate investigation. Hering this, the CJI said that the trial court has the power to order further investigation if it is believed that the CBI did not perform the investigation properly. He added that the top court will not interfere with the trial court’s power.