SC stays CBI, ED probe against 'Bhaipo' in WB teacher recruitment scam

In a relief to Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Abhishek Banerjee, the Supreme Court on Monday stayed a Calcutta high court which directed the CBI and ED to question him in a bribe-for-school jobs case. The next hearing will take place on April 24.

The three-member bench headed by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud also stayed the high court's April 13 order directing the West Bengal Police not to lodge any FIR against central probe agency officials investigating the school jobs-for-bribes scam.

"The petition was in the mentioning list. Dr. A M Singhvi has adverted to the contents of the order and the directions passed by which the ED and CBI have been directed to file a report for a probe in connection with a public speech by Abhishek Banerjee. List on April 24, 2023. Till the next date of listing, there shall be a stay on all action against petitioner about the directions passed in the impugned order," the apex court ordered.

On April 13, the Calcutta High Court had directed that Abhishek Banerjee and Kuntal Ghosh, another accused in the case, can be questioned by the ED and the CBI in connection with teaching and non-teaching staff recruitment scam at government schools.

Following the SC order, the CBI sent summon to the TMC leader at 1.45 pm today. He was asked to appear at Nizam Palace in Kolkata, tomorrow but in the said issue SC has already issued a stay.