India

Graft in high places erodes confidence of people: Calcutta High Court

February 11, 2025

The Calcutta High Court on Tuesday said that “corruption in high places has an impact on public confidence in the affairs of the state”. The observation was made by a division bench comprising justices Joymalya Bagchi and Gaurang Kanth. The bench was hearing an appeal filed by RG Kar Medical College’s former principal Sandip Ghosh. He is seeking postponement of framing of charges in the financial irregularities case related to RG Kar Medical College & Hospital.

“The charges are very serious and we are informed that the respondents are in jail. Corruption in public administration erodes the confidence of the general people in the affairs of the state. In the present case, it has far-reaching consequences. Corruption in high places has a serious impact on public confidence in the affairs of the state. A prompt trial of persons accused of corruption would reinforce the faith of the people in the justice delivery system. Similarly, the accused have a right to fair and prompt trial,” the court observed.

CBI submitted a report before the bench during the commencement of hearing on Tuesday. The bench noted that the central agency, which is investigating the case on HC’s order, has agreed to supply electronic or scanned copies to the accused by Wednesday.

Ghosh and four others were arrested by CBI in a case related to alleged financial irregularities during his tenure as principal of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.

Five persons, including Sandip Ghosh, have been named in the CBI chargesheet in the matter. The process of framing charges against Ghosh could not be started because of the non-availability of a no-objection certificate from the state government. The NOC was received on January 27.