In a major setback for the Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal government, the Supreme Court has upheld the Calcutta High Court’s decision to cancel the appointment of over 25,000 teachers and non-teaching staff recruited through the West Bengal School Service Commission (SSC). The apex court on the 3rd of April ruled that the entire selection process was “vitiated by manipulation and fraud”, undermining its legitimacy and credibility.
A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna and Justice PV Sanjay Kumar stated that there was no reason to overturn the High Court’s decision. The court held that since the appointments were made fraudulently, they could not be allowed to stand.
The Supreme Court has ordered the West Bengal government to conduct a fresh selection process within three months. Candidates who pass this new selection will not have to return the salaries they have earned since 2016. However, those who fail must repay their salaries. The court granted relaxation to persons with disabilities, allowing them to retain their current positions.
The case centers on the 2016 recruitment drive conducted by the West Bengal School Service Commission (SSC) for hiring teachers and non-teaching staff in state-run and state-aided schools. A staggering 23 lakh candidates competed for 24,640 vacancies, yet an unexpected 25,753 appointment letters were issued, raising serious concerns. The Calcutta High Court identified multiple irregularities, including tampering with OMR sheets and rank manipulation, ultimately leading to the cancellation of these appointments.
Following the Calcutta High Court’s ruling, several petitions, including one from the West Bengal government, challenged the decision in the Supreme Court. Hearings began on December 19, 2024, and continued through January and February 2025. The Supreme Court reserved its judgment on February 10, 2025, before finally delivering its verdict on April 3, 2025.
The recruitment scandal has led to significant political turmoil for the Trinamool Congress (TMC). Several top leaders, including former education minister Partha Chatterjee, a close aide of Mamata Banerjee, have been arrested for their alleged involvement. Reacting to the verdict, senior BJP leader Amit Malviya called it a “crushing defeat” for Mamata Banerjee. He accused her government of ruining the careers of thousands of youth and demanded accountability from the Chief Minister. With the Supreme Court’s verdict reinforcing allegations of corruption, the Mamata Banerjee government faces increasing pressure to restore transparency in the state’s recruitment process.
