What Did the Calcutta HC Decide on the WBSSC Contempt Petition?
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Synopsis
The Calcutta High Court has wrapped up hearings on a contempt petition against the West Bengal government and WBSSC. This follows a Supreme Court ruling that annulled the appointments of 25,753 teaching and non-teaching positions from 2016. The decision is eagerly awaited as it holds implications for many candidates affected by the ruling.
Key Takeaways
- The Calcutta High Court has concluded hearings on a contempt petition against the WBSSC.
- The petition was filed due to non-compliance with a Supreme Court order.
- 25,753 teaching and non-teaching jobs from 2016 are under scrutiny.
- The court's decision is pending and will have significant implications.
- Accountability in educational appointments is crucial for fairness.
Kolkata, May 1 (NationPress) The Calcutta High Court has wrapped up an extensive hearing concerning the contempt of court petition lodged against the West Bengal government and the West Bengal School Service Commission (WBSSC). This petition was initiated due to their failure to enforce a recent Supreme Court ruling that annulled the appointments of 25,753 teaching (secondary and higher secondary) and non-teaching positions in state-run schools from 2016.
Following the hearing, the division bench, comprising Justice Debangsu Basak and Justice Shabbar Rashidi, has reserved its decision.
Last month, a Supreme Court panel led by Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar affirmed a prior ruling by a division bench of the Calcutta High Court that invalidated 25,753 teaching and non-teaching roles in state-run institutions.
The apex court endorsed the Calcutta High Court's view that the entire panel needed cancellation due to the state's and the commission's inability to differentiate between “genuine” candidates and those “tainted”.
This led to the filing of the contempt-of-court petition against the West Bengal government and WBSSC, alleging non-compliance with the Supreme Court's directive.
The counsel for WBSSC challenged the Calcutta High Court's jurisdiction over the contempt petition. They contended that even though the Supreme Court had upheld the lower court's earlier decision, it also mandated amendments to the high court's ruling.
As a result, the WBSSC counsel posited that any proceedings should be conducted only in the Supreme Court. However, the petitioner's counsel countered that since the apex court maintained the central aspect of the Calcutta High Court's ruling regarding the cancellation of the entire WBSSC panel for 2016, the division bench had the authority to proceed with the contempt petition.
Ultimately, the arguments from both parties were concluded on Thursday, leading the division bench to reserve its judgement.
Point of View
It is crucial to highlight the ongoing legal battle surrounding the WBSSC and the implications of the Calcutta High Court's decision. This case underscores the importance of adhering to judicial orders, as it affects numerous individuals seeking employment in the education sector, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability from state institutions.
NationPress
16/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main issue behind the contempt petition?
The contempt petition arose due to the West Bengal government and WBSSC's failure to comply with a Supreme Court order that annulled the appointments of 25,753 teaching and non-teaching positions made in 2016.
What did the Supreme Court decide regarding the WBSSC appointments?
The Supreme Court upheld the Calcutta High Court's decision to cancel the appointments due to the inability of the state to segregate genuine candidates from those considered tainted.
What are the potential implications of the Calcutta High Court's verdict?
The verdict will determine whether the West Bengal government and WBSSC are held accountable for not implementing the Supreme Court's ruling, affecting thousands of affected candidates.
Who is involved in the contempt petition?
The contempt petition involves the West Bengal government and the West Bengal School Service Commission (WBSSC).
When is the verdict expected?
The Calcutta High Court has reserved its judgment after concluding hearings, but the exact date for the verdict has not been specified.
