Why Are Police Summoning Teachers Protesting Outside WB Education Department?
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Synopsis
In a dramatic turn of events, police have summoned teachers protesting against job irregularities in West Bengal. With accusations of public property destruction and police assaults, the situation intensifies. The upcoming court interventions and political responses promise to shape the future of education recruitment in the state.
Key Takeaways
- Seventeen teachers face police summons amid protests.
- Allegations include destruction of public property.
- Police initiated a suo motu case against the protestors.
- The protests demand transparency in teacher recruitment.
- Political implications arise as opposition parties prepare to address the issue.
Kolkata, May 18 (NationPress) The police have issued summons to teachers who are protesting outside the West Bengal Education Department's headquarters, alleging destruction of public property and interference with state officials in the performance of their duties.
A total of 17 teachers, some of whom sustained injuries during what has been termed 'police action,' are required to appear in person at Bidhannagar North Police Station in Kolkata at 11 a.m. on May 21.
According to a notice obtained by IANS, if these 17 teachers fail to report to the police station, they could face arrest under various provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.
The Bidhannagar Police Commissionerate has initiated a suo motu case against the protesting teachers, alleging destruction of public property, hindrance to state officials, and assaulting police officers.
This summons is directly related to the police's suo motu case.
In a related development, an advocate from the Calcutta High Court has called for the court's suo motu intervention regarding the 'unprovoked' and 'brutal' baton charge by police on the protesting educators. Their demands include pressure on the state government and the West Bengal School Service Commission (WBSSC) to release a list categorizing 'untainted' candidates separately from those deemed 'tainted' who secured jobs through unethical means.
The Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, has indicated that the BJP legislative team will address this issue during the upcoming Monsoon Session starting June 9.
On April 3 this year, the Supreme Court upheld a prior decision made by a division bench of the Calcutta High Court, led by Justices Debangshu Basak and Shabbar Rashidi, which annulled 25,753 school appointments in West Bengal.
The Apex Court concurred with the Calcutta High Court's assessment that the cancellation of the entire panel of 25,753 candidates was necessary due to the state's failure to distinguish between 'untainted' and 'tainted' candidates.
The state government and WBSSC have already filed petitions for review in the Apex Court concerning this matter.
Point of View
I stand with the educators advocating for fairness and transparency in the recruitment process. The allegations against them raise significant questions about state accountability and the protection of civil rights in India. It's crucial to maintain an unbiased perspective while addressing the grievances of both the protesting teachers and the authorities involved.
NationPress
08/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What led to the police summoning the teachers?
The police summoned the teachers for allegedly damaging public property and obstructing state personnel during their protests.
What are the potential consequences for the summoned teachers?
If the teachers fail to appear at the police station, they could face arrest under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.
What are the demands of the protesting teachers?
The teachers demand that the government and WBSSC publish a list distinguishing 'untainted' candidates from those who were 'tainted' in the hiring process.
What has been the political response to the protests?
The Leader of the Opposition, Suvendu Adhikari, has stated that the BJP legislative team will raise this issue in the upcoming Monsoon Session.
What was the Supreme Court's recent ruling regarding school jobs?
The Supreme Court upheld the cancellation of 25,753 school jobs due to the state's failure to separate 'untainted' from 'tainted' candidates.
