SC Criticizes Bengal’s Teacher Recruitment Process, Adjourns Case to January 7

The Supreme Court on Thursday questioned the West Bengal government and its School Service Commission (SSC) about the alleged recruitment scam involving 25,000 teachers and non-teaching staff. The court noted serious flaws in the selection process and raised concerns about identifying “tainted and untainted” candidates.

Supreme Court Points Out Irregularities

During the final hearing, a bench led by Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar examined the Calcutta High Court’s earlier decision to cancel the appointments. The court listed several key issues:

• Ineligible candidates were selected.
• Ranks were manipulated to include unqualified candidates.
• Marks were tampered with to favor some over deserving candidates.
• OMR sheets were blank or altered.
• Unlisted candidates received appointments.

CJI Khanna remarked, “Dal mein kuch kala hai ya sab kuch kala hai?” hinting at the depth of the irregularities.

Affected Candidates Defend Themselves

Over a dozen senior lawyers representing the affected candidates challenged the evidence used by the High Court. They argued that such evidence should be tested through a trial.

However, the court noted that the Justice Ranjit Kumar Bag Commission first exposed the scam. The CBI confirmed these findings, and even SSC admitted irregularities. The bench asked why the High Court’s order was being contested.

Recruitment and Destroyed Records

The recruitment process began in 2016, and appointments were made in January 2019. Over 22 lakh candidates competed for 25,000 posts. However, SSC destroyed the answer sheets in 2020, raising further doubts about transparency.

Senior advocate Jaideep Gupta, representing SSC, stated that the CBI’s findings matched SSC’s list of tainted candidates. He suggested canceling their appointments while retaining the untainted ones.

Court Rejects Education-Related Concerns

Some lawyers argued that canceling the appointments would disrupt students’ education in Classes 9 to 12. The court rejected this argument, stating, “We will not accept such arguments.”

Relief for Long-Serving Candidates

The court showed sympathy for untainted candidates who had been serving in the department for years before their appointment. The bench said it might allow them to return to their earlier roles. It adjourned the case to January 7 for further proceedings.

Investigation Details

Justice Abhijit Gangopadhyay of the Calcutta High Court first uncovered the scam. He ordered an inquiry by the Justice Bag Commission. Justice Gangopadhyay has since resigned and joined politics as a BJP MP.

The Supreme Court’s observations highlight the importance of accountability in public recruitment. Its final decision will have significant implications for education and governance.