Today(on 22nd April), Calcutta High Court nullifies SLST-2016 selection process for West Bengal schools, orders cancellation of appointments. Emphasizes need for fresh appointment procedure.
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KOLKATA : Today(on 22nd April), the Calcutta High Court has declared the selection process of the State Level Selection Test-2016 (SLST) in West Bengal government-sponsored and aided schools as null and void. The court’s decision accompanied by an order to cancel all appointments made through this process. A division bench comprising justices Debangsu Basak and Md Shabbar Rashidi delivered the verdict, emphasizing the need for a fresh appointment process.
The High Court’s verdict also included an important directive to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The CBI has been instructed to conduct further investigation into the appointment process and submit a comprehensive report within three months.
The West Bengal School Service Commission has been entrusted with the responsibility of initiating a fresh appointment process. This decision highlights the court’s intent to rectify the flaws in the previous selection process and ensure that qualified candidates are given a fair chance at securing positions in government-sponsored and aided schools.
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The 2016 SLST witnessed an overwhelming response, with over 23 lakh candidates appearing for the test. These candidates vied for 24,640 vacant posts in the West Bengal schools. The number of applicants reflects the high demand for teaching positions and the significance of a transparent and merit-based selection process.
In the words of Justice Debangsu Basak-
“The annulment of the SLST-2016 selection process is crucial in maintaining fairness and transparency in public appointments. The court’s ruling underscores the necessity for a new beginning and a reaffirmed dedication to merit-based selection within the education domain.”
The court’s directive to the CBI to conduct further investigation is a crucial step in unearthing any irregularities or malpractices that may have occurred during the previous selection process. The CBI, known for its expertise in handling such cases, is expected to diligently investigate the matter and provide a comprehensive report to the court within the stipulated timeframe.
“It is imperative to conduct an investigation into the appointment procedure to preserve the integrity of the education system and prevent deserving candidates from being denied opportunities.”
-said Justice Md Shabbar Rashidi.
This statement reflects the court’s determination to uphold the integrity of the education system and protect the rights of qualified individuals seeking employment in government-sponsored and aided schools.
The cancellation of all appointments made through the SLST-2016 selection process will undoubtedly have significant implications. It will necessitate a thorough reassessment of the vacant positions and the identification of eligible candidates through a fresh selection process. While this may cause a temporary setback, it is essential to prioritize fairness and transparency in public appointments, particularly in the education sector.
Background :
In 2016 recruitment process, which has come under scrutiny for possible misconduct. Former state education minister Partha Chatterjee and several officials associated with the West Bengal School Service Commission (SSC) were arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) during its investigation into the matter.
The extensive hearings involved various petitions and appeals regarding the selection of candidates for teaching positions in classes 9, 10, 11, and 12, as well as group-C and D staff positions, through the State Level Selection Test-2016 (SLST).
The hearings concluded on March 20, and the division bench reserved its judgment. In response to writ petitions filed by candidates who participated in SLST-2016 but were not selected, Justice Abhijit Gangopadhyay’s single bench ordered a CBI investigation into alleged irregularities in the recruitment process. The High Court, upon discovering irregularities, also terminated a number of teaching and non-teaching staff positions.
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Addressing the petitions associated with the matter, the Supreme Court, on November 9, 2023, requested the Chief Justice of the Calcutta High Court to assign a division bench to handle all the petitions and appeals related to the SLST-2016 recruitment process for prompt resolution.
Furthermore, the apex court provided protection to the terminated appointments for a period of six months, allowing the division bench sufficient time to adjudicate on the disputes. The CBI concluded its investigation and submitted a report to the High Court within two-month timeframe directed by the Supreme Court.
