The Calcutta High Court has criticized delays in framing corruption charges against government officials involved in school recruitment. The court questioned the chief secretary’s time constraints and urged swift action to avoid potential bail opportunities for the accused.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!
KOLKATA: The Calcutta High Court expressed dissatisfaction over the delay in framing charges against government officials implicated in school recruitment corruption. The division bench, comprising Justice Debanshu Basak and Justice Mohammad Shabbar Rashidi, has given the state authorities 24 hours to provide a response.
The state counsel, during Tuesday’s court session, explained that the chief secretary, who assumed office in January, has been unable to review the relevant documents due to the concurrent presence of Election Commission officials. Justice Basak was quick to question why, despite court supervision, the investigation files remained unattended.
ALSO READ:SSC Recruitment Scam| Kolkata High Court Issued Notice in Teacher Recruitment Corruption Case
He remarked-
“Decision-making has been suspended for too long. You are forcing us to take action.”
The court further inquired whether the chief secretary would find time to examine the documents and update the court on the progress.
Justice Basak pointedly asked-
“Should I summon him to the court?”
In response to the state counsel’s plea for more time, Justice Basak sternly commented-
“Don’t give excuses. Are you going to hold down the file, and we’ll sit down and watch it? What have you done for so long?”
The court directed the state to provide an update on the decision by Wednesday.
ALSO READ:Calcutta High Court Questions the State’s Decision on Additional Teaching Positions
Allegations suggest that the state government’s delay in approving the charge framing process is intentionally stalling proceedings, potentially allowing accused individuals to seek bail. Lawyers argue that once the state grants permission, charges can be framed in the lower court. If permission is denied, the case may proceed to the High Court, where charges can be directed based on investigation evidence.
The School Service Commission (SSC) also faced criticism during the court proceedings. Firdous Shamim, a lawyer representing job seekers, highlighted the court’s displeasure at the lack of clear rules regarding recruitment. “Time is of the essence,” Shamim emphasized, as the court continues to await the state’s response in the SSC recruitment corruption case.
Despite repeated requests, the Calcutta High Court has not received a satisfactory reply from the state government. Justice Devanshu Basak, part of the division bench, granted an additional day for the state to respond after Wednesday’s hearing. The state’s counsel assured the court that on Thursday, they would demonstrate that the trial of individuals in public positions could commence without state approval.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has filed a charge sheet under the Prevention of Corruption Act against government officials involved in recruitment corruption. However, the state’s prolonged delay in granting approval has raised concerns. Justice Basak questioned why the approval process had been suspended for so long, emphasizing the need for a swift resolution.
ALSO READ:Calcutta High Court : CID Investigates Illegal Appointments in State-Run Schools
The state’s counsel claimed that the chief secretary’s preoccupation with vote preparation had hindered the review process. The court dismissed a writ petition, prompting the division bench to question why the CBI’s application had been overlooked. The state’s counsel argued that approval could be granted at any point during the trial process, challenging the CBI’s apparent inactivity in framing charges.
