The Calcutta High Court announced on Friday that it will hear a public interest litigation on Monday, seeking the registration of a First Information Report against former Kolkata Police Commissioner Vineet Goyal.
The complaint alleges that Goyal revealed the name of the victim in the tragic rape-murder case involving R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital, an act considered a violation of established guidelines.
At the time of the incident on August 9, Goyal was serving as the Commissioner of Kolkata Police. He is currently positioned as the Additional Director General (ADG) of the Special Task Force (STF) of the West Bengal Police.
The PIL was filed by a practicing lawyer at the Calcutta High Court, represented by senior advocate Mahesh Jethmalani. He argued that Goyal’s disclosure of the victim’s identity not only violated legal protocols but also undermined the victim’s dignity and the privacy rights enshrined in law.
During the hearing, Jethmalani informed the division bench, led by Chief Justice T.S. Sivagnanam, that the Supreme Court is already considering the R.G. Kar hospital matter suo motu and has clarified that this issue can also be addressed by the Calcutta High Court. The bench, which also includes Justice Bivas Pattanayak, confirmed that the PIL will be on the agenda for hearings next week.
Both the Supreme Court and the Calcutta High Court have issued directives prohibiting the disclosure of the identity of the post-graduate trainee whose body was found in the seminar hall of R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital. The disturbing incident sparked immediate protests from junior doctors in the state, who initiated a ‘cease work’ strike demanding justice for the victim, enhanced security at their workplaces, and Goyal’s removal from his role as Commissioner.
In light of public outcry and numerous PILs filed on this matter, including one from the victim’s parents calling for a thorough and impartial investigation, the high court has transferred the case from the Kolkata Police to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). This move aims to ensure a fair inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the victim’s death.
The case has garnered significant attention, highlighting issues of victim privacy, police accountability, and the need for justice in sensitive matters. The upcoming court proceedings are expected to shed further light on the allegations against Goyal and the broader implications of the case for both the legal system and the community at large.
