SC Upholds Calcutta HC's Decision To Annul Over 25k Appointments In Bengal Schools

The Supreme Court on Thursday upheld the Calcutta High Court's decision to cancel the recruitment of more than 25,000 teachers and non-teaching staff by the SSC in 2016 for state-run and state-aided schools.

On February 10, a bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar had reserved its judgment on a batch of petitions.

The Supreme Court's Verdict

The apex court concurred with the High Court's conclusion that the recruitment process was marred by fraud and irreparable irregularities, affirming the decision to cancel the appointments in their entirety, according to Live Law website.

The bench of Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar was considering the batch of petitions challenging the Calcutta High Court's order setting aside the appointments in government schools.

The Court found no grounds to overturn the High Court's directive that the services of those involved in fraudulent appointments be terminated, and that they refund any salaries and payments received. It maintained that since the appointments were the result of fraud and deception, there was no reason to modify this order, the report noted.

The court said, "For candidates who have been specifically found to be tainted, their entire selection process has been rightly declared null and void due to egregious violations which violate Articles 14 and 16 of the Constitution. As such, the appointments of these candidates have been cancelled."

The Supreme Court also mandated that a fresh recruitment process be initiated and completed within three months. It allowed the possibility of relaxation for candidates who were not found to be involved in irregularities.

The bench heard over 120 petitions, including one filed by the West Bengal government, challenging the High Court's ruling.

Final hearings on the politically significant case began on December 19 last year, with proceedings continuing on January 15, 27, and February 10 before the verdict was reserved.

The High Court had earlier cited major irregularities, such as OMR sheet tampering and rank manipulation, in its decision to annul the recruitment of 25,753 teachers and non-teaching staff in West Bengal's state-run and state-aided schools.

On May 7 last year, the Supreme Court had temporarily stayed the High Court's order concerning the appointments made by the state's SSC, while permitting the CBI to continue its investigation into the matter.

The case originated from allegations of large-scale irregularities in the 2016 recruitment process conducted by the West Bengal SSC. A staggering 23 lakh candidates had applied for 24,640 vacancies, yet 25,753 appointment letters were issued.

The High Court had further directed those appointed beyond the sanctioned 24,640 vacancies, those recruited post the official selection deadline, and individuals who had submitted blank OMR sheets but still secured jobs, to return all payments and benefits received-along with 12% interest.

With Inputs From PTI