The Supreme Court of India has upheld the Calcutta High Court’s order canceling 25,753 appointments made by the West Bengal School Service Commission (WBSSC) in 2016. The appointments were marred by manipulations, fraud, and attempted cover-ups, which have undermined the credibility and legitimacy of the selection process.
A bench comprising Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar held that the entire selection process had been vitiated and tainted beyond redemption, affecting the appointments of both teaching and non-teaching staff. The court observed that the scale of manipulations and fraud was massive, resulting in the dismissal of the selection process.
The court disposed of a batch of petitions, including the West Bengal government’s appeal, and made certain modifications to the directions issued by the Calcutta High Court. It ruled that candidates already employed would not be required to refund any payments made to them, but their services would be terminated.
In addition, the court directed that candidates not specifically found to be tainted would have their appointments cancelled. The selection process was declared null and void due to the egregious violations and illegalities, making the appointments invalid from the onset.
However, the court provided relief to appointed candidates who did not fall within the category of tainted candidates but were previously employed in different departments of the state government or with autonomous bodies. These candidates will be allowed to apply to their previous departments or autonomous bodies to continue in service, and if necessary, supernumerary posts may be created for them.
The court also ensured that disabled candidates would be permitted to continue in their roles and receive wages until the fresh selection process and appointments are completed. They would be eligible to participate in the fresh selection process with age relaxation and other concessions.
The court’s decision has significant implications for the teaching and non-teaching staff affected, as well as the West Bengal government’s plans for the creation of supernumerary posts. The case will continue, with the challenge to the CBI probe into the creation of supernumerary posts listed for hearing on April 4.
The Supreme Court’s ruling brings to an end a long-standing controversy, which has had far-reaching consequences for the education sector in West Bengal. The judiciary’s intervention has ensured that the integrity of the selection process is upheld, and those affected will have a fair opportunity to participate in the fresh selection process.
Original Source: https://www.morungexpress.com/tainted-beyond-resolution-sc-upholds-cancellation-of-over-25k-appointments-made-in-bengal-schools-in-2016
Category : India
Tags:
Publish Date: 2025-04-03 19:54:00
