Calcutta High Court ruling rejected West Bengal government’s appeal for the death penalty for the man convicted for the rape and murder case of a woman at the R.G. Kar Medical Hospital but accepted the CBI's appeal.
Background : The Sealdah Court's judge gave life imprisonment, not the death penalty, stating the crime didn’t fall under 'rarest of rare' category.
Many criticized the decision, calling for the death penalty. Both State and CBI appealed to the High Court.
Mamata Banerjee said Kolkata Police could have convinced the Court for a death sentence and that society shouldn't show humanity to "monsters."
State leaders pointed to quick death sentences in cases involving minors, but delays in other cases raised concerns about the judicial system.
Justice J.S. Verma Committee found no evidence that the death penalty deters crimes and didn’t recommend it even in rare cases.
Experts stress improving policing and ensuring safer workplaces, as the convict entered the hospital without checks.
Lack of background checks for contracted staff, like the convict, raises safety concerns in government facilities.
The death penalty is seen as a quick response to public anger, while the judge emphasized the need for a deeper understanding of justice.
COMMENTS