Will the Calcutta HC Deliver a Verdict on the Bengal Primary Teachers’ Recruitment Case Today?
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Synopsis
The Calcutta High Court is poised to announce its judgement today on the controversial recruitment of 32,000 primary teachers in West Bengal. This ruling could have significant implications for the state's education system and its government, following allegations of serious irregularities in the hiring process.
Key Takeaways
- Calcutta High Court to announce judgement on teacher recruitment.
- Case involves 32,000 primary teachers hired amidst allegations of irregularities.
- Previous ruling by Justice Gangopadhyay cancelled these appointments.
- The outcome could affect the West Bengal government significantly.
- Potential implications for future educational employment practices.
Kolkata, Dec 3 (NationPress) A division bench at the Calcutta High Court is set to announce its verdict on Wednesday regarding the irregularities found in the hiring process of 32,000 primary teachers in West Bengal's state-run schools.
The six-month-long deliberation concluded on November 12 at the division bench, led by Justice Tapabrata Chakraborty and Justice Ritabrata Kumar Mitra, who reserved their judgement on that day.
The hearings began on April 28 this year.
Notably, on May 12, 2023, the then single-judge bench of Calcutta High Court, and now BJP Lok Sabha member, Abhijit Gangopadhyay, decreed the cancellation of the 32,000 primary teacher appointments.
This ruling stemmed from petitions submitted by candidates who claimed that several individuals received job recommendations despite having significantly lower scores in the recruitment examinations.
The state government contested this ruling at the division bench, which was initially overseen by Justice Soumen Sen and Justice Smita Das De.
However, Justice Sen later recused himself from the case, leading to its reassignment to the bench of Justice Chakraborty and Justice Mitra.
In 2014, a total of 42,500 primary teachers were employed based on the Teachers' Eligibility Test (TET) conducted by the West Bengal Board of Primary Education (WBBPE). Some candidates who took the TET later claimed there were serious irregularities in the recruitment process, including allegations of cash payments for job security.
After an extensive hearing at the single-judge bench, Justice Gangopadhyay cancelled the appointments of 32,000 primary teachers on May 12, 2023.
It remains to be seen whether the division bench of Justice Chakraborty and Justice Mitra will affirm the single-judge bench's ruling or issue an alternate decision.
If the division bench upholds the previous order, it would mark a second setback for the West Bengal government in the educational employment sector within the same year.
Earlier in April, a division bench of the Supreme Court upheld a ruling from the Calcutta High Court that annulled the entire 2016 panel of the West Bengal School Service Commission (WBSSC), which involved approximately 26,000 school jobs, including positions for secondary and higher secondary teachers, as well as non-teaching roles in Groups C and D across various state-run schools.
Point of View
We recognize the importance of this case as it highlights significant issues within the educational recruitment process in West Bengal. The allegations of irregularities not only raise concerns about transparency but also impact the livelihoods of many aspiring educators. The outcome of this judgement will be pivotal in shaping the future landscape of educational employment in the state.
NationPress
03/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Calcutta High Court case about?
The case involves allegations of irregularities in the recruitment of 32,000 primary teachers in West Bengal's state-run schools.
When will the judgement be pronounced?
The judgement is scheduled to be pronounced on Wednesday, December 3.
Who ordered the cancellation of the teacher appointments?
The cancellation was ordered by Justice Abhijit Gangopadhyay on May 12, 2023.
What could happen if the judgement upholds the previous order?
If upheld, it would represent a significant setback for the West Bengal government in the educational sector.
What are the implications of this case?
The case could influence future recruitment processes and job security for educators in West Bengal.
