During a session on Tuesday, the Calcutta High Court highlighted the grave impact of corruption in significant positions on public trust in state affairs. This observation came as the court heard an appeal by Sandip Ghosh, the former principal of R G Kar Medical College, who requested a postponement in framing charges against him in a case of financial irregularities.
The division bench, led by Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice Gaurang Kanth, emphasized the necessity of a prompt trial, not only to uphold public faith in the judiciary but also to ensure fair proceedings for the accused. “Corruption in high places seriously affects public confidence in the affairs of the state,” the bench noted.
The case, which is being prepared for trial before a special court, involves allegations of financial mismanagement at R G Kar Medical College and Hospital during Ghosh’s tenure as principal. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) arrested Ghosh along with four others following an investigation mandated by the high court.
The court was informed that all accused are currently in judicial remand. “A prompt trial of persons accused of corruption would reinforce the faith of the people in the justice delivery system,” remarked the court, highlighting the dual need to balance judicial efficiency with the rights of the accused to a speedy trial.
At the commencement of the hearing, the CBI presented a report to the division bench and agreed to provide electronic or scanned copies of the case documents to the accused by the following Wednesday. The bench instructed the accused to review these documents and authorized the CBI to present a further report to the trial judge.
