Supreme Court Sacks 25,000 Teachers, Blow to Mamata Govt

The Supreme Court upheld the Calcutta High Court’s decision canceling over 25,000 school appointments in West Bengal. The court ruled the selection process was manipulated and fraudulent, undermining its credibility. Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice PV Sanjay Kumar refused to overturn the High Court’s verdict. The appointments were deemed fraudulent as they resulted from cheating.

The court directed the state to complete a fresh selection process within three months. Candidates clearing the new process can keep their salaries drawn since 2016. Those who fail must return the salaries received. The court allowed persons with disabilities to continue in their current positions.

Also Read: AI robot carving marble statues leaves internet disheartened

Mamata Government’s Appeal and Recruitment Controversy

The Mamata Banerjee government appealed the High Court order in the Supreme Court, seeking separation of tainted and untainted candidates.

The controversy revolves around supernumerary posts created by the state. In 2016, 23 lakh candidates applied for 24,640 vacancies, but 25,753 appointments were made, allegedly enabling illegal recruitment.

Also Read: S Jaishankar’s “Cherry-Picking” Jab At Dhaka’s Yunus Over Northeast Remark

The teacher recruitment scam has created significant turmoil for the Trinamool Congress government, leading to severe political and legal consequences. Several top leaders, including a former education minister, have been arrested and jailed for their alleged involvement in the fraudulent appointments. The controversy has sparked widespread outrage, with opposition parties demanding greater accountability from the state government. The scandal has also shaken public trust in the recruitment process, leaving thousands of aspiring teachers uncertain about their future.

Senior BJP leader Amit Malviya termed the Supreme Court verdict a “crushing defeat” for Mamata Banerjee and her government. He emphasized that Partha Chatterjee, a close aide of Banerjee and former Education Minister, has already been jailed for his involvement in the massive recruitment scam. Malviya further asserted that Mamata Banerjee, as the Chief Minister under whose administration this fraudulent scheme unfolded and impacted the careers of thousands of young aspirants, should also be held accountable. He demanded that she face a thorough investigation and legal action for her alleged role in the scandal.