How Could Kolkata Court Fail Victims and Spare a Brutal Rapist-Murderer from the Death Penalty?

Sanjoy Roy was given a life sentence by the Additional District and Sessions Court in Sealdah on Monday for the rape and killing of a junior physician at the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata. The court determined that the offence did not qualify for the death penalty even though the prosecution had requested it and hence it was not one of the “rarest of the rare” cases. In addition, the offender was fined Rs 50,000 by the court.

It is difficult to comprehend why Sanjoy Roy was not given the death penalty especially considering the brutal nature of the crime. The victim, a young junior doctor suffered and died in a horrific manner and the crime was committed by someone entrusted with the responsibility of ensuring safety.

While the court applied the “rarest of the rare” doctrine to determine the sentence, one could imagine the immense pain and suffering caused to the victim and her family coupled with the betrayal of trust by a civic volunteer makes this case deserving of the death penalty.

The CBI, victim’s family and even the state government had all advocated for the maximum punishment of death penalty emphasizing the need for justice to maintain public faith in the legal system.

A death penalty would not only deliver justice but also serve as a deterrent, setting an example for others that such brutal acts will not be tolerated and that there will be severe consequences for committing such heinous crimes.