Today, On 2nd December, The Supreme Court postponed the hearing on the plea filed by Partha Chatterjee in connection with the cash-for-jobs scam. Chatterjee, facing charges in the case, had sought relief in the matter. The court has decided to adjourn proceedings to a later date. The case continues to attract attention over allegations of corruption and illegal appointments.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court adjourned the hearing on Partha Chatterjee’s bail plea, a former West Bengal education minister and current MLA, who is embroiled in a money laundering case linked to recruitment irregularities in a cash-for-jobs scheme.
Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan decided to postpone the hearing to review the custody details provided by Chatterjee. His legal team submitted an affidavit detailing his custody in other cases.
During the previous hearing, the court inquired about the duration of Chatterjee’s judicial and police custody. The court noted that the trial concerning the money laundering allegations, particularly related to irregularities in primary teacher recruitment, has not yet commenced, despite the presence of hundreds of witnesses.
Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi highlighted that Chatterjee has been incarcerated for nearly 2.5 years, with 183 witnesses to be examined, and mentioned his age of 73.
Additional Solicitor General SV Raju, representing the Enforcement Directorate, opposed the bail plea, citing the serious nature of the charges and the seizure of a substantial amount of cash.
The Supreme Court acknowledged the gravity of the allegations and sought an update on the investigation status.
Raju confirmed that a chargesheet had been filed. The court also noted the low conviction rates in money laundering cases and was informed that Chatterjee is under judicial custody in another case being investigated by the CBI.
Partha Chatterjee arrested in July 2022 by the Enforcement Directorate in connection with the West Bengal School Service Commission (SSC) teacher recruitment scam and had previously been held at the Presidency Correctional Home. Following his arrest, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) suspended him from the party and stripped him of all party positions.
The Calcutta High Court also directed the CBI to investigate the recruitment scam involving the illegal appointments of Group ‘C’ and ‘D’ staff, as well as teaching staff. The ED is investigating these matters under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA).