Supreme Court Issues Notice on Sandip Ghosh's Bail Plea
The Supreme Court of India recently issued notice to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) regarding a bail application filed by Sandip Ghosh, the former principal of R G Kar Medical College and Hospital. Ghosh is an accused in a case concerning alleged financial irregularities and corruption. A bench comprising Justice MM Sundresh and Justice PB Varale has directed the CBI to submit its response to the plea by October 15, 2026.
Background of Allegations and Arrest
Sandip Ghosh's legal troubles stem from allegations of serious illegalities committed during his tenure as principal. These accusations were initially brought forth by Akhtar Ali, a former Deputy Superintendent at RG Kar, who moved the Calcutta High Court. Ali's plea alleged that Ghosh was involved in mismanagement of dead bodies, the illicit reselling of biowaste in the open market, and the misutilisation of public funds, among other serious financial irregularities.
Ghosh was the principal of the hospital and college when a junior doctor's brutal rape and murder occurred on August 9, 2024. Following this incident, the Calcutta High Court, on August 13, 2024, transferred the investigation into the doctor's death to the CBI. Ghosh was initially called for questioning by the CBI. Subsequently, he was arrested on charges related to financial irregularities at the hospital. Later, his alleged role in the aftermath of the doctor's death also became a subject of investigation.
Previous Legal Proceedings and Bail Status
The case gained significant public attention, leading to nationwide protests. The Supreme Court took suo motu cognisance of the matter. Ghosh had previously approached the Supreme Court challenging a Calcutta High Court order that transferred an SIT probe into alleged irregularities in tender processes and mismanagement by him to the CBI. However, the Supreme Court declined to entertain that plea.
While Ghosh has been granted bail in the case pertaining to the alleged cover-up in the junior doctor's rape and murder, this was due to the CBI's failure to file a chargesheet within the stipulated 90-day period. Despite this, he remains in CBI custody in connection with the financial irregularities matter. In 2025, the CBI had informed the Calcutta High Court that the State Government had accorded sanction to prosecute Ghosh in the financial irregularities case.
Current Status of the Bail Application
The present bail plea before the Supreme Court specifically pertains to the financial irregularities and corruption charges. The Court's decision to issue notice to the CBI signifies the commencement of a formal review of Ghosh's application for bail in this particular case. The CBI's response, due by October 15, 2026, will be crucial in the ongoing proceedings.