Why is a second petition challenging the teacher recruitment results at Calcutta HC?
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Synopsis
In a significant legal development, a second petition has been filed at Calcutta High Court, disputing the results of the teacher recruitment exam. This challenge stems from the Supreme Court's earlier ruling that barred certain candidates from participating. The implications of this ongoing legal battle could reshape the teaching landscape in West Bengal.
Key Takeaways
- Second petition filed against teacher recruitment results.
- Supreme Court's ruling cancels 26,000 teacher jobs.
- Focus on the inclusion criteria for candidates.
- Fresh recruitment must conclude by December 31.
- Legal challenges highlight integrity in education hiring.
Kolkata, Nov 18 (NationPress) A second petition has been submitted to the single judge bench of Justice Amrita Sinha at the Calcutta High Court on Tuesday, contesting the outcomes of the written exam for the recruitment of new higher secondary teachers in state-run schools of West Bengal.
This recruitment drive is aimed at filling the vacancies created by the cancellation of approximately 26,000 school jobs following a ruling from a division bench of the Supreme Court earlier this year.
When delivering its judgment in April, the apex court prohibited the participation of “tainted” teachers, who had acquired their positions through corrupt means, in the fresh recruitment process.
In the petition, the individual contends that candidates with prior teaching experience in government-recognized private schools should also receive the additional 10 marks weightage criterion, which is currently reserved for those with experience in state-run institutions.
The court has accepted the petition, and it is anticipated that the case will be heard later this week.
This marks the second petition presented to Justice Sinha’s bench this week, disputing the results of the written exam for the new recruitment of higher secondary teachers.
On Monday, a petition was filed at the same bench, asserting that the list of candidates eligible for interviews released by the West Bengal School Service Commission (WBSSC) contained names of several “tainted” candidates, violating the Supreme Court's earlier directive.
On April 3 of this year, the Supreme Court upheld a prior decision from the Calcutta High Court which annulled the entire WBSSC panel from 2016.
The apex court concurred with the argument from the High Court that the complete panel had to be retracted because neither the state education department nor the commission provided two distinct lists differentiating “untainted” candidates from “tainted” ones, despite repeated requests.
The Supreme Court mandated that the entire fresh recruitment process must be finalized by December 31 of this year.
While “tainted” teachers are barred from participating in the recruitment, “untainted” teachers are permitted to join.
Point of View
It's evident that the ongoing legal disputes surrounding teacher recruitment in West Bengal reflect deeper issues of integrity and transparency in the education sector. The petitions highlight the need for a fair recruitment process that prioritizes merit over malfeasance. The nation must focus on ensuring that qualified educators are placed in classrooms, fostering a brighter future for students.
NationPress
18/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the recent petition about?
The recent petition challenges the results of the written examination for the recruitment of higher secondary teachers in state-run schools in West Bengal.
What led to the recruitment process being initiated?
The recruitment process was initiated to fill vacancies after the Supreme Court cancelled around 26,000 school jobs due to corruption.
Who is barred from participating in the recruitment?
The Supreme Court has barred 'tainted' teachers, who obtained their jobs through corrupt means, from participating in the fresh recruitment.
What is the significance of the additional weightage criterion?
The additional 10 marks weightage is currently only given to candidates with teaching experience in state-run schools, raising concerns about fairness for those with private school experience.
When is the fresh recruitment process expected to be completed?
The Supreme Court has directed that the entire fresh recruitment process must be completed by December 31 of this year.
