The Supreme Court was informed that the selection process for 25,753 teachers and non-teaching staff in West Bengal’s government and aided schools was riddled with malpractice, with the state allegedly attempting to shield illegal appointments.

The matter was heard by a bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar, as it reviewed appeals against the Calcutta High Court’s April 2024 order invalidating these appointments.

The apex court had stayed the high court’s decision on May 7, 2024, allowing the appointees to continue working while permitting the CBI to proceed with its investigation.

One of the lawyers argued that the recruitment process was vitiated by malpractice and claimed a “large institutional criminal conspiracy.” The state’s School Service Commission (SSC) reportedly failed to distinguish between valid and tainted appointments.

Petitioners challenging the high court’s verdict highlighted its adverse impact on untainted candidates, many of whom are now ineligible for fresh exams due to age restrictions, as the recruitment dates back to 2016.

The high court’s decision stemmed from alleged irregularities in the 2016 recruitment process conducted by the SSC, including OMR sheet tampering and rank manipulation. Of the 23 lakh candidates who applied for 24,640 posts, 25,753 appointment letters were issued.

The Supreme Court termed the alleged recruitment scam a “systemic fraud” and emphasized the need for state authorities to maintain digital records of appointments. It also upheld the CBI’s investigation while cautioning against coercive action.

The arguments, which remain inconclusive, will continue on February 10.

Source: PTI

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