RG Kar case: HC says corruption has serious impact on public confidence

Hearing an appeal by R G Kar Medical College's former principal Sandip Ghosh seeking postponement of framing of charges in a financial irregularities case, the Calcutta High Court on Tuesday observed that corruption in high places has serious impact on public confidence in the affairs of the state.

The division bench presided by Justice Joymalya Bagchi said that the special court, before which the trial in the case is to be heard, may fix a date prior to the next hearing of the matter at the high court.

Ghosh and four others were arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in a case of alleged financial irregularities at the medical establishment during his tenure as the principal of R G Kar Medical College and Hospital.

Holding that the allegations are very serious, the division bench, also comprising Justice Gaurang Kanth, said that it was informed that the respondent accused persons are in judicial remand at present.

"Corruption in high places has serious impact on public confidence in the affairs of the state," the bench observed.

"A prompt trial of persons accused of corruption would reinforce the faith of the people in the justice delivery system," the court said.

"Similarly, the accused who are in custody have a right to fair and prompt trial. Given this situation, the requirement of a prompt trial is an unexceptionable necessity for administration of justice," the bench observed.

On commencement of hearing on Tuesday, the CBI submitted a report before the division bench.

The bench noted that the central agency, investigating the case on an order of the high court, has agreed to supply electronic/scanned copies to the accused by Wednesday.

Respondent accused persons may verify the documents and request CBI to submit a report before the trial judge, the bench said.