News Snacks

Supreme Court Grants Bail to Former RG Kar Principal Sandip Ghosh After Two Years in Custody

Apex Court cites prolonged incarceration and slow trial progress in CBI case

Charges include financial irregularities and manipulation of merit scores at RG Kar Medical College

By Legal Reporter

New Delhi: October 17, 2026:

The Supreme Court has granted bail to former RG Kar Medical College principal Sandip Ghosh after over two years in custody, citing delays in the trial where only 7 of 147 witnesses have been examined. The decision overturns the Calcutta High Court’s earlier rejection of his bail plea, allowing him to walk free from Presidency Jail.

Case Background

• Arrest: Sandip Ghosh was arrested in September 2024 following the RG Kar rape-murder case that triggered public outrage and doctor strikes.
• Charges:
  • Financial irregularities at RG Kar Medical College.
  • Manipulation of merit scores to accommodate undeserving candidates.
  • CBI charge sheet alleges at least 24 candidates were made house staff in 2024 through manipulated scores.
• Public Outcry: Allegations of institutional cover-up, delays in notifying the victim’s family, and suspicious administrative actions intensified scrutiny.

Supreme Court’s Observations

• Custody Duration: Ghosh has been incarcerated for over two years.
• Trial Progress: Only 7 out of 147 witnesses have been examined so far.
• Decision: Justices M.M. Sundresh and Prasanna B. Varale ruled that prolonged incarceration and slow trial warranted bail.
• Conditions: Bail conditions will be set by the trial court.

Legal Journey

• February 2026: Calcutta High Court rejected Ghosh’s bail plea.
• October 2026: Supreme Court overturned the High Court’s decision.
• Lawyer’s Statement: Advocate Md Zohaib Rauf confirmed no other custody orders exist against Ghosh, though the Enforcement Directorate (ED) continues probing financial aspects.

Public and Institutional Impact

• The RG Kar case remains one of the most controversial medical institution scandals in Kolkata, raising questions about governance, transparency, and accountability.
• The bail order may reignite debates about judicial delays and the balance between prolonged custody and fair trial rights.

FAQs

Q1: Why was Sandip Ghosh arrested?

He was arrested in connection with corruption charges and alleged manipulation of merit scores following the RG Kar rape-murder case.

Q2: Why did the Supreme Court grant bail now?

Because Ghosh had already spent over two years in custody and the trial had barely progressed, with only 7 of 147 witnesses examined.

Q3: Does this mean he is acquitted?

No. Bail only allows temporary release; the trial continues.

Q4: What are the charges against him?

Financial irregularities, corruption under the Prevention of Corruption Act, and manipulation of merit scores to favor undeserving candidates.

Q5: What happens next?

The trial court will set bail conditions, and Ghosh will continue facing trial while out of custody.