• Mou Mou
• 20 Jan, 2025

The RG Kar case has sparked nationwide outrage especially after Sanjay Roy was spared the death penalty despite being convicted of a heinous crime. Instead the court sentenced him to life imprisonment until death and imposed a fine of Rs 50 thousand. Additionally Rs 17 lakh was awarded as compensation to the victim’s family. But why was capital punishment not given even when the CBI called it a ‘rarest of rare’ case.?

The Crime and the Sentence

Sanjay Roy committed an atrocious act against a medical trainee leading many to expect the harshest penalty - death. However the court ruled otherwise sentencing him to life imprisonment without parole and imposing a fine to support the victim’s family.

CBI's Stand vs. Court’s Rationale

The CBI strongly argued for the death penalty labelling the case as 'rarest of rare.' However the judge explained that the crime did not meet all criteria for this classification. According to legal principles a 'rarest of rare' case requires specific aggravating factors that justify the death penalty. In this instance the court found life imprisonment sufficient for justice.

Public Reaction and Official Statements

The sentence has drawn mixed reactions across the country. Many including the Chief Minister expressed disappointment arguing that the punishment does not match the severity of the crime. Legal experts too are debating the rationale behind the verdict.

Compensation for the Victim’s Family

As part of the judgment, the court mandated Rs 17 lakh as compensation for the victim’s family, acknowledging the emotional and financial toll the crime had taken on them.

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Legal Experts Explain

A prominent lawyer from Sealdah Court explained the judge’s reasoning. While the crime was heinous, the legal system demands that the death penalty be reserved for only the most exceptional cases where life imprisonment is deemed inadequate. 

The RG Kar case has reignited debates on the application of the death penalty in India. While the court’s decision aligns with legal precedents public sentiments remain deeply divided. The incident underscores the need for clarity in the justice system and stronger measures to prevent such crimes in the future.