Today(on 19th April), Calcutta High Court division bench upholds CBI probe into recruitment irregularities in GTA-run schools in Darjeeling, Kurseong, and Kalimpong. Justices Harish Tandon and Madhuresh Prasad affirm Justice Biswajit Basu’s decision.
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WEST BENGAL: Today(on 19th April), the Calcutta High Court’s division bench reaffirmed a previous order for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into allegations of recruitment irregularities in schools operated by the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) in Darjeeling, Kurseong, and Kalimpong in North Bengal. The court’s decision came when the bench, comprising Justice Harish Tandon and Justice Madhuresh Prasad, upheld the ruling of Justice Biswajit Basu.
Justice Biswajit Basu, serving as a single-judge bench, had initially directed the CBI to investigate the complaints and present a report to the court by April 25. However, the state government, expressing skepticism regarding two anonymous letters that served as the basis for the CBI probe, appealed against the ruling. The division bench’s verdict dismissed the state government’s objections and upheld the order for a CBI investigation, reiterating the deadline for the submission of the report.
The controversy revolves around alleged irregularities in the recruitment process of GTA-managed schools. The two anonymous letters received by the court raised serious concerns about the fairness and transparency of the hiring procedures. Consequently, the court deemed it necessary to entrust the investigation to the CBI, known for its expertise in handling complex cases involving public institutions.
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“The division bench of the Calcutta High Court has made a crucial decision in upholding the CBI probe into the recruitment irregularities in GTA-run schools,”
-remarked an anonymous legal expert.
Supporters of the CBI probe argue that it is a vital step towards uncovering the truth and holding those responsible for any wrongdoing accountable. They believe that a thorough investigation will shed light on the alleged irregularities and restore public trust in the education system.
On the other hand, opponents of the CBI probe, including the state government, have raised doubts about the authenticity and credibility of the anonymous letters. They argue that initiating such a high-profile investigation solely based on unverified correspondence may set a concerning precedent. However, the court’s decision to uphold the CBI probe indicates its confidence in the impartiality and effectiveness of the agency.
“The court’s ruling demonstrates its commitment to addressing allegations of corruption and malpractice in educational institutions,”
-stated an education activist.
The GTA, responsible for the administration of schools in the Darjeeling, Kurseong, and Kalimpong regions, has been under scrutiny since the emergence of the anonymous letters. The allegations of recruitment irregularities have raised concerns among parents, students, and the wider community. The CBI investigation is expected to provide clarity and resolve the lingering doubts surrounding the hiring process.
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While the precise nature and extent of the alleged irregularities remain undisclosed, the court’s decision to involve the CBI signifies the seriousness of the matter. The CBI, as an independent investigative agency, is renowned for its expertise in handling complex cases and ensuring a thorough examination of the evidence. Its involvement will likely bring a sense of objectivity and professionalism to the investigation.
