'Gang-rape of law student inside Calcutta Law College', SC lawyer writes petition to CJI for suo motu cognisance

New Delhi: A Supreme Court lawyer has sent a letter petition to the Chief Justice of India B R Gavai for taking a suo motu cognisance of the brutal gang rape of a 24-year-old law student inside the campus of the South Calcutta Law College on June 25 and transfer the probe to the CBI in the interest of a free and fair investigation.

Advocate Satyam Singh Rajpoot asked the CJI to make "urgent judicial intervention" into the matter.

He also sought action against TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee and MLA Madan Mitra for insensitive comments "blaming and shaming" the gang rape victim.

The suo motu letter petition of Rajpoot raised the issue of the grave incident, the subsequent victim-shaming by public representatives, and the systemic failure to ensure the safety of legal professionals, particularly women advocates.

The letter said the incident of gang rape took place on June 25, 2025, as a first-year female law student was allegedly gang-raped on the premises of South Calcutta Law College by many accused, including a former student with the alleged affiliations to the Trinamool Chhatra Parishad. The incident represents a direct assault on the dignity and safety of the legal profession, it claimed.

"Victim-shaming by public figures, such as, Senior TMC leaders, Kalyan Banerjee, MP, and Madan Mitra, MLA, have made derogatory public statements that shame the victim and undermine the rule of law, creating a chilling effect on the legal fraternity and deterring victims from seeking justice," the plea said.

The plea sought for immediate judicial intervention and court-monitored CBI investigation to ensure an impartial and time-bound probe, free from political influence.

It contended there should be immediate protection for the victim, her family, witnesses, and legal representatives.

The plea sought directions for comprehensive safety measures in educational institutions, including mandatory CCTV surveillance, women safety cells, and regular security audits should be made and interim compensation of Rs 50 lakhs for the victim’s medical treatment, rehabilitation, and legal expenses.

Making a comparison with the RG Kar Medical College rape-murder case, the letter highlighted a "disturbing pattern of violence" against professionals in West Bengal and the "failure" of state authorities to ensure justice, violating Articles 14, 19, and 21 of the Constitution.