Today, On 20th June, Calcutta High Court restrained the West Bengal government from giving monetary aid to ‘jobless’ Group C and D school staff, citing a flawed selection process flagged by the Supreme Court. Relief put on hold till September 26.
Today, On 3rd April, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said she “can’t accept the Supreme Court’s judgment” on the teacher recruitment case but promised to follow it. The court canceled thousands of job appointments and ordered a fresh hiring process. Banerjee disagreed with the decision but assured that a new recruitment drive will take place. Her statement comes after a big legal setback for her government in this matter.
Today, On 27th January, The Supreme Court will hear pleas regarding the cancellation of 25,753 teaching and non-teaching jobs in West Bengal, as ordered by the High Court. The apex court clarified that if it finds the appointments illegal, those affected must return the salaries and benefits they received. This case stems from allegations of irregularities in recruitment for school jobs.
Chief Justice of India, Sanjiv Khanna, will hear pleas challenging the cancellation of 25,753 teaching and non-teaching jobs in West Bengal’s government and assisted schools. The appointments were declared invalid by the Calcutta High Court over alleged recruitment irregularities. The case has raised concerns for the affected employees and job aspirants. The hearing is set for January 15, 2025.
![[WB School Jobs Row] SC to Hear Pleas on Sept 24 Challenging Cal HC’s Order Invalidating 25,753 Teacher and Staff Appointments](https://i0.wp.com/lawchakra.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/image-170.png?resize=447%2C367&ssl=1)
The Supreme Court has agreed to hear pleas against the Calcutta High Court order invalidating over 25,000 teacher and staff appointments in West Bengal. Chief Justice Chandrachud labeled the alleged recruitment scam as “systemic fraud” and emphasized the importance of maintaining public trust and the digitized records of the appointments. The court granted an extension for written submissions and allowed the CBI to continue its probe without making any arrests. The state government challenged the high court’s order, arguing that the cancellations were arbitrary. The Supreme Court emphasized the need for a closer analysis to differentiate between tainted and legitimate appointments. The Calcutta High Court not only annulled the appointments but also directed the CBI to investigate and report back within three months. Additionally, it ordered those appointed beyond the available vacancies, after the recruitment date, and those who submitted blank OMR sheets to return all remunerations and benefits with interest.
Approximately 26,000 teachers and staff who lost their jobs due to a court order have returned to their schools in Kolkata. Their future employment hinges on a Supreme Court decision. The Supreme Court has allowed them to continue working during the investigation, provided they submit an undertaking. However, schools have not yet received instructions regarding this requirement.
Today (24th April): The West Bengal Government has appealed to the Supreme Court after the Calcutta High Court invalidated the appointments of 24,000 teaching and non-teaching staff, due to alleged irregularities in the recruitment process. The scandal, termed the “School Jobs for Cash Scam,” has led to disruption in the education sector and legal repercussions for implicated individuals.