Judge says “Court must resist public pressure” after giving life imprisonment verdict in RG Kar case

In a landmark decision, the Additional Sessions Judge of Sealdah Court, Anirban Das, sentenced Sanjay Roy to life imprisonment for the rape and murder of a young doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. Despite widespread public demand for the death penalty following the crime, the court opted for life imprisonment, emphasizing the need for judicial integrity and the importance of upholding legal principles over emotional appeals.

The crime, which occurred in 2024, involved the brutal rape and murder of a 23-year-old intern at RG Kar Medical College, sparking massive protests and public outcry across West Bengal. Many members of the public, including students and medical professionals, called for the death penalty, citing the horrific nature of the crime. The case quickly became a focal point for debates on capital punishment and judicial fairness.

Judge Anirban Das, in his ruling, stressed that the court must resist external pressures and emotional pleas, focusing instead on delivering justice in the larger public interest. In the judgment, he noted, “The court must resist the temptation to bow down to public pressure or emotional appeals.” He emphasized that the legal system’s integrity must be preserved by making decisions based on the law rather than external influences. This statement underlined the role of the judiciary in ensuring fair and impartial trials, regardless of public sentiment.

Roy was convicted under Section 64 and Section 66 of the Indian Penal Code for his actions, receiving a sentence of life imprisonment. The judgment also included a fine of 50,000 INR. In delivering the verdict, the judge considered several factors, including the severity of the crime, the need for rehabilitation, and the preservation of the dignity of the accused. The court noted that while the crime was heinous, the sentence also aimed to ensure that the broader principles of justice, which include rehabilitation and human dignity, were upheld.

The judgment has generated varied reactions, with public opinion divided. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed her dissatisfaction with the court’s decision, stating that she was "stunned" by the ruling and questioning why the case was not classified as "rarest of the rare." She also confirmed that the state government would file an appeal in the Kolkata High Court, seeking a death sentence for Roy. Additionally, the ruling brought attention to possible shortcomings in the investigation, particularly regarding the handling of evidence and the role of law enforcement. These concerns were noted in the judgment, which could open the door to further investigation into the case.