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In a resounding dismissal of a politically charged petition, the Supreme Court of India on Tuesday rejected a plea seeking the resignation of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. The petition was filed in response to the tragic rape and murder of a postgraduate medical student at the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, an incident that sparked widespread outrage and calls for accountability. The court, led by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud, sharply rebuked the petitioner's counsel for attempting to inject political arguments into the legal proceedings. The bench firmly asserted that the court's jurisdiction does not extend to dictating the resignation of a chief minister, emphasizing that its role is to address specific grievances and uphold the rule of law. The court made it clear that its focus remained on addressing the concerns of the medical professionals involved in the case and ensuring a thorough investigation into the allegations of financial irregularities at the medical college.
Despite the bench's clear directives, the petitioner's counsel persisted in pressing his argument, leading to a stern warning from Chief Justice Chandrachud. The Chief Justice firmly intervened, stating, 'Listen to me first, otherwise I will have you removed from the court.' This assertive response highlights the seriousness with which the court viewed the attempt to politicize a case that has deeply affected the medical community and the public at large. The court's decisive stance against the petitioner's counsel underscores the importance of maintaining a neutral and impartial judicial process, free from political influences.
Prior to the dismissal of the petition, the Supreme Court had directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to provide a comprehensive update on its ongoing investigation into alleged financial irregularities at the RG Kar Medical College. The court's scrutiny of the CBI's status report on the case reflects the need to ensure transparency and accountability in the investigation. While the court acknowledged the importance of disclosing details related to the case, it also recognized the potential risks to the investigation if sensitive information were to be released prematurely. Recognizing the public interest in the matter, the court also declined a request to halt the live streaming of the proceedings related to the case. The decision to maintain live streaming underscores the commitment to judicial transparency and the public's right to access crucial legal proceedings.