Calcutta HC delays charge framing for Sandip Ghosh, grants relief in RG Kar scam case

The Division Bench of the Calcutta High Court has granted relief to Sandip Ghosh and other accused in the financial irregularities case at RG Kar Hospital. In its ruling, the court decided to delay the charge framing process and provided the accused with additional time to review the charge sheet and prepare their defense. The next hearing for the case is scheduled for Friday, during which the court is expected to set the date for charge framing.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had filed a charge sheet in the case, which names several individuals, including Sandip Ghosh, the former principal of RG Kar Hospital. The charge sheet outlines allegations of financial mismanagement and corruption within the hospital, involving large-scale embezzlement of funds and misappropriation. The High Court's Single Bench had previously directed the CBI to complete the charge framing process within seven days, with the deadline expiring on Thursday.

However, Sandip Ghosh and other accused individuals filed a plea seeking more time, arguing that the original time frame was insufficient to adequately prepare for the charge framing. Following this, the matter was brought before the Division Bench of Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Shubendu Samanta. The bench raised concerns about the CBI's rush to frame charges and questioned the appropriateness of hastily proceeding without granting the accused sufficient time to review the charge sheet.

The bench emphasized that the accused must be given a reasonable opportunity to prepare for the proceedings, noting that under the new legal provisions, the accused are allowed up to 60 days between the filing of the charge sheet and the framing of charges. However, the court did not provide the full 60-day period, stressing the need for a balance between fairness and efficiency. Justice Bagchi further stated that the court does not wish to unnecessarily prolong the trial but acknowledged that the accused must be given their legal rights, including adequate time to review the charge sheet.

The bench ruled that the accused should be given at least 14 days to review the charge sheet and apply for relief from the trial if necessary. The court also indicated that it would continue to monitor the case at the Alipore court to ensure that no unnecessary delays occur. The CBI has been instructed to report back at the next hearing, where it will be expected to provide clarity on when the accused will be given the opportunity to seek relief after the charge framing.