The Supreme Court of India on Tuesday ruled against halting the live streaming of courtroom proceedings in the sensitive case concerning the rape and murder of a postgraduate medical student at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata. The decision underscores the court’s commitment to transparency in a case that has gripped the nation.
The bench, led by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and including Justices J B Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, examined the latest CBI report which suggested that revealing certain details could compromise the ongoing investigation. Despite this, the court affirmed the importance of public access to the proceedings, citing the significant public interest involved.
During the session, senior advocate Kapil Sibal, representing the West Bengal government, argued for the cessation of live broadcasts, citing safety concerns for women lawyers associated with the case who have reportedly faced threats, including potential acid attacks and rape. The court responded by assuring that it would intervene directly should any actual threats materialize, emphasizing its role in safeguarding the legal community.*
The judicial inquiry into the brutal incident, which resulted in the discovery of the medic’s severely injured body on August 9, continues to unravel. The Kolkata Police initially handled the case, arresting a civic volunteer the day after the body was found. However, due to the case’s complexities and heightened scrutiny, the Calcutta High Court mandated a handover to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on August 13, with the agency commencing its probe immediately the following day.
