The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Wednesday opposed the West Bengal government’s appeal before the Calcutta High Court against the life imprisonment sentence given to Sanjoy Roy. Roy was convicted for the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata last year.
During the hearing before a division bench comprising Justices Debangshu Basak and Md Shabbar Rashidi, the CBI argued that only the prosecuting agency has the authority to challenge a sentence on grounds of inadequacy.
“Only the prosecuting agency can challenge the sentence on grounds of inadequacy,” the CBI told the court, asserting that since they investigated the case, the state government lacks the jurisdiction to file an appeal.
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However, the Advocate General representing the state countered the CBI’s claim, pointing out that the initial FIR was filed by the state police before the case was handed over to the CBI. The Advocate General also highlighted that law and order falls under the state’s jurisdiction, giving the state the right to appeal.
High Court’s Consideration
The division bench stated that it would consider submissions from all parties, including the CBI, the victim’s family, and Sanjoy Roy, before deciding on whether to admit the state government’s appeal. The matter has been scheduled for further hearing on Monday, January 27.
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On January 20, a Kolkata court sentenced Sanjoy Roy, a civic volunteer, to life imprisonment until death for the rape and murder of the trainee doctor. The court also imposed a fine of Rs 50,000 on Roy. He was convicted under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including Section 64 (rape), Section 66 (punishment for causing death), and Section 103 (murder).
Public Outrage and Protests
The heinous crime sparked widespread protests and outrage across the nation. Thousands demanded justice for the victim, putting a spotlight on women’s safety and accountability in cases of sexual violence.
As the legal battle continues, the Calcutta High Court’s decision on whether to admit the state’s appeal will be closely watched, with implications for both the jurisdictional debate and the broader pursuit of justice in the case.
