New Delhi: The Supreme Court has granted bail to Sandip Ghosh, the former principal of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, in connection with a case involving alleged financial corruption and manipulated merit scores at the Kolkata institution.
A bench comprising Justices MM Sundresh and PB Varale sustained Ghosh's appeal, setting aside a previous order by the Calcutta High Court from February 23, 2026, which had rejected his initial bail request.
In reaching its decision, the apex court weighed the extended duration of Ghosh's detention against the sluggish progress of the trial. Reports indicated that Ghosh had been held in custody for over two years, whereas only seven out of a total of 147 listed witnesses had been questioned so far.
The bench noted that given the length of the incarceration and the early stage of the trial, they were inclined to overturn the high court's ruling and approve the appeal. The specific terms and conditions for Ghosh's release are to be determined and enforced by the local trial court.
The Central Bureau of Investigation had investigated the matter and filed a charge sheet against Ghosh in August 2024. He faced multiple charges including criminal conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, cheating, forgery, and the use of forged documents under the Indian Penal Code, alongside violations of the Prevention of Corruption Act.
The case stems from accusations of financial misconduct at the medical college and allegations that undeserving candidates were favored through the manipulation of entrance merit scores. After lower judicial bodies and the Calcutta High Court repeatedly turned down his requests for freedom, the Supreme Court ultimately intervened to grant relief based on trial delays.