January 27, 2025: In a remarkable display of forgiveness, the parents of a 31-year-old doctor who was raped and murdered at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital have expressed their opposition to the death penalty for Sanjoy Roy, the convict. Their stance was conveyed by their lawyer, Gargi Goswami, during a hearing at the Calcutta High Court on Monday.

“Just because their daughter has lost her life does not mean the convict will also have to lose his life,” said Goswami, reflecting the family’s view on justice and punishment.

The case is currently under judicial scrutiny as the West Bengal government and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) have appealed the Sealdah Sessions Court's decision to sentence Sanjoy Roy to life imprisonment. Both entities have demanded a death sentence, arguing that the nature of the crime warrants the harshest penalty.

Representing the state, Advocate General Kishore Dutta contended that the life sentence was insufficient, citing legal provisions enabling state governments to appeal for stricter sentences. He referenced an amendment to Section 377, highlighting that state governments now have the authority to seek enhanced penalties in such cases.

“The Supreme Court had earlier restricted such appeals to the central government, but the amendment has clearly defined the state’s rights in this regard,” Dutta stated, while also requesting the appointment of a Public Prosecutor to fortify the state's representation.

Justice Debangsu Basak, presiding over the case, acknowledged the legal basis for the state’s appeal while emphasizing the need to balance federal and central roles. He noted that both the state and CBI share a common objective in seeking a harsher sentence.

The High Court has reserved its judgement after the preliminary hearing, leaving the victim’s family’s unique stance as a powerful and contrasting element in the ongoing legal battle.