The Calcutta High Court will again hear the appeal in the case of 32,000 primary teacher jobs on August 21, emphasizing that identifying deserving candidates is crucial to a fair verdict.
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CALCUTTA: The Calcutta High Court on Monday scheduled August 21 for the hearing on appeals against the termination of around 32,000 West Bengal primary school teachers.
Petitioners’ lawyers stressed the distinction between the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) and the recruitment process, while Justice Tapabrata Chakraborty emphasized the need to identify deserving candidates. The case challenges a May 12, 2023, order by Justice Abhijit Gangopadhyay that cancelled the appointments of candidates recruited in 2016 through the 2014 TET without completing the mandatory teachers’ training.
TET vs. Recruitment Process
One of the major points of discussion was the difference between the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) and the recruitment process.
- Petitioners’ lawyers argued that the recruitment process was fair and free from corruption, despite allegations of irregularities in the TET exam itself.
- They claimed the single judge’s verdict wrongly linked the recruitment process to a “TET scam,” even though the original petition never mentioned such a scam.
- If the court accepts this distinction, mass cancellation of appointments might be avoided
OMR Sheet Scam
The OMR sheet scam from the 2012 TET exam also came under discussion. This scam is being reviewed in a separate case, but if proven, it could have a domino effect on three different recruitment drives:
- 16,500 teacher recruitment
- 42,000 teacher recruitment (2014 batch)
- 11,765 teacher recruitment (2022 batch)
The implication is clear- a confirmed scam in one exam could undermine multiple batches of appointments.
Trained Candidates vs. Para-Teachers
Another key issue discussed was the disparity in additional marks awarded during recruitment, with trained candidates receiving 15 extra marks and para-teachers getting only 5 marks for teaching experience, despite both groups undergoing the same interview and selection process; however, the judge clarified that the present concern is primarily with untrained candidates rather than para-teachers.
Court’s Directives & Legal Precedents
A Supreme Court directive was cited, stressing that the statements of all affected parties must be heard before any final decision. Reference was made to another High Court order suggesting that blanket cancellation of 32,000 jobs is unreasonable, instead, targeted cancellation for proven misconduct is more just.
A lawyer from Jalpaiguri district claimed their district wasn’t involved in the recruitment scam, as no interviews or petitioners were called from there.
Concerns were raised about candidates with honors in Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry who got jobs through merit. Their appointments might also be affected if the court decides to cancel all jobs without distinction.
The court has assured a resolution in the next hearing scheduled for August 21, 2025.
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