Calcutta High Court instructs CID to speedy compile data on illegal appointments in state-run schools, warning of a potential transfer to the CBI. The urgency arises amid dissatisfaction with the SIT’s progress and concerns about delayed detentions and accountability.
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The Calcutta High Court has issued a directive to the CID Special Investigating Team (SIT) to compile a comprehensive database documenting the widespread issue of illegal appointments within state-run schools. Justice Biswajit Basu, presiding over the case, sternly instructed the SIT to complete this crucial database by the upcoming Monday. The court emphasized the urgency of the matter, warning that failure to meet the deadline would result in the transfer of the investigation to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
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The directive comes amidst growing concerns over the pace at which the SIT has been conducting its investigation into the illegal appointments. Justice Basu criticized the SIT’s approach, questioning their efficiency by remarking,
“Why are you behaving like clerks? You are only exchanging letters.”
This comment underscores the court’s frustration with the slow progress in identifying and addressing the illegal appointments within the state’s education system.
Furthermore, the scrutiny on the West Bengal School Service Commission (SSC), Justice Basu inquired about the lack of action against the Bankura regional chairperson of the SSC. Despite the rejection of his anticipatory bail petition, the chairperson has not been taken into custody, leading Justice Basu to question the state’s actions, or lack thereof, in this matter.
“I want to know from the state what you have been doing for all these days. You have washed off your hands by removing the accused from the SSC region chairperson’s post,”
– Justice Basu stated, highlighting the need for more decisive action.
The court’s concerns are rooted in specific instances of illegal appointments that have come to light. In a report submitted to the court, the CID identified two teachers, Suvendu Hatua, an assistant teacher at East Midnapore’s Karanchand High School, and Jasmine Khatun, an assistant teacher at Bankura’s Bhatra Sree Durga Vidyatan, who were appointed through illegal means. Notably, Khatun is married to the SSC regional chairperson, Sirajuddin, which raises questions about the integrity of the appointment process.
Justice Basu directed the advocate general to take immediate steps against Hatua, who secured a teaching position in 2018 based on an SSC recommendation, despite not receiving an official appointment letter from the West Bengal Board of Secondary Education (WBBSE). Hatua has been drawing a salary since then, which the judge pointed out as a clear violation that needs rectification.
