New Delhi: In a hearing on Monday regarding the suo motu case over the rape and murder of a doctor at RG Kar Hospital, Kolkata, Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud reprimanded Advocate Koustav Bagchi for his aggressive tone during the proceedings.
The heated exchange occurred in front of a Supreme Court bench comprising CJI Chandrachud, Justices JB Pardiwala, and Manoj Misra.
The Court was hearing the case amid protests by doctors in West Bengal, where the bench requested the state to not take adverse actions against doctors if they resumed duties by 5 PM on Tuesday.
Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, representing the state, gave an undertaking that no punitive measures would be enforced against the doctors.
As the bench recorded Sibal’s assurance, Advocate Koustav Bagchi interjected, raising objections to comments made by Sibal.
In his submission, Bagchi appeared to become visibly agitated, which prompted CJI Chandrachud to intervene. “Can you first lower your pitch?” the Chief Justice said, advising Bagchi to speak more calmly. Despite this, Bagchi continued to make heated remarks.
CJI Chandrachud further reprimanded Bagchi, stating, “Are you trying to address the gallery outside the court? I have been noticing your demeanor for the last two hours. You are addressing three judges, not a public audience watching via video conferencing.”
Following the remarks, Advocate Bagchi expressed an apology to the bench.
The case remains ongoing, with the next proceedings focusing on the compliance of the state in ensuring the safety of protesting doctors and the investigation into the tragic incident at RG Kar Hospital.
Case Details:
- Parties Involved: Advocate Koustav Bagchi, Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal (representing the State of West Bengal)
- Bench: Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, Justice JB Pardiwala, and Justice Manoj Misra