SC Upholds HC Order, Cancels 25,000 Teacher Appointments in Bengal
In a significant setback for the Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal government, the Supreme Court has upheld the Calcutta High Court’s ruling that cancels the appointment of over 25,000 teachers and non-teaching staff recruited through the West Bengal School Service Commission (WBSSC). The court found the selection process tainted by fraud and manipulation, rendering it invalid.
A Supreme Court bench, led by Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna and Justice PV Sanjay Kumar, ruled that the recruitment process lacked credibility and legitimacy. The verdict dismissed the state government’s appeal, emphasizing that appointments made through fraudulent means cannot be upheld.
Fresh Selection Process Ordered
The Supreme Court directed the state to conduct a fresh selection process within three months. Candidates who qualify in the new recruitment process will not be required to return the salaries they received since their appointment in 2016. However, those who fail must repay the amount. The court provided relief to persons with disabilities, allowing them to continue in their current roles.
Illegal Recruitments Under Scrutiny
The controversy revolves around supernumerary posts created by the state government. While 23 lakh candidates appeared for the 2016 selection test for 24,640 vacancies, a total of 25,753 appointment letters were issued—raising serious allegations of illegal hiring.
This recruitment scandal has already led to the arrest of several Trinamool Congress (TMC) leaders, including former Education Minister Partha Chatterjee, who was found in possession of large sums of unaccounted cash.
Political Fallout
The Supreme Court’s ruling has intensified political tensions. BJP leader Amit Malviya called it a “crushing defeat” for Mamata Banerjee, demanding accountability from the Chief Minister. He alleged that the fraud under her watch had jeopardized the careers of thousands of aspiring teachers.
The ruling now places immense pressure on the Bengal government to conduct a transparent recruitment process and address the widespread allegations of corruption in the education sector.