Did the Supreme Court Grant Bail to Partha Chatterjee and Others?
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Synopsis
In a significant legal development, the Supreme Court has granted bail to former West Bengal Education Minister Partha Chatterjee in a high-profile corruption case. What implications does this have for the ongoing investigations and the accused? Read on to explore the details of this unfolding drama.
Key Takeaways
- Supreme Court grants bail to Partha Chatterjee after nearly three years in custody.
- Delays in prosecution sanctions highlighted as a key issue.
- Chatterjee remains incarcerated due to other pending cases.
- CBI and ED continue investigations into the cash-for-school job scam.
- Trial proceedings to be expedited as per court directives.
New Delhi, Aug 18 (NationPress) The Supreme Court has granted bail to the former West Bengal Education Minister and Trinamool Congress Secretary General Partha Chatterjee in a corruption case tied to the alleged multi-crore cash-for-school job scam. A bench comprising Justices M.M. Sundresh and N. Kotiswar Singh also approved the special leave petitions (SLPs) from the former Chairman of the West Bengal School Service Commission (WBSSC), Subiresh Bhattacharyya, and Santi Prasad Sinha, the former Secretary of the West Bengal Board of Secondary Education (WBBSE), seeking bail.
The bench highlighted that Chatterjee had been in custody for nearly three years, with trial proceedings hindered by delays in securing prosecution sanctions for other accused individuals. The court noted that the investigation had concluded and charge sheets were already submitted by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) regarding the case.
The apex court also mandated that the trial be expedited, with charges to be framed within four weeks and key witnesses to be examined within the subsequent two months. However, despite gaining bail in the senior secondary teachers’ recruitment scam, Chatterjee will remain incarcerated until bail is secured in other cases, including the primary teachers’ recruitment scam.
In a previous session, Justice Joymalya Bagchi recused himself from the case, leading the bench chaired by Justice Surya Kant to refer the matter to the Chief Justice of India (CJI), as the master of the roster, for re-listing before another bench.
In an order issued on May 8, the apex court instructed the West Bengal government to decide on granting prosecution sanctions within two weeks, allowing trial proceedings against Chatterjee and other accused state government employees in the school job cases initiated by the Central anti-corruption investigative agency.
The CBI and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) have been conducting concurrent investigations into the school job cases. Both agencies have identified Chatterjee as the principal architect behind the alleged cash-for-school job scam. Chatterjee was initially arrested by the ED at his residence in south Kolkata in July 2022, and has remained detained since, with the CBI also arresting him subsequently.
Point of View
It is essential to maintain an unbiased perspective on this unfolding case. The Supreme Court's decision reflects legal principles in action, emphasizing the importance of timely justice while acknowledging the serious nature of the allegations. We will continue to monitor the implications of this case as it progresses.
NationPress
19/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the reason for Partha Chatterjee's bail?
The Supreme Court granted bail due to prolonged custody without trial, highlighting delays in obtaining prosecution sanctions.
Who else was granted bail alongside Chatterjee?
Former Chairman of the WBSSC, Subiresh Bhattacharyya, and former WBBSE Secretary Santi Prasad Sinha also received bail.
What is the status of the investigations?
The investigations by the CBI and ED are ongoing, with Chatterjee identified as a key figure in the alleged scam.
When was Partha Chatterjee arrested?
Chatterjee was first arrested by the ED in July 2022 and has been in custody since then.
What are the next steps in the trial?
The Supreme Court has directed the trial to be expedited, with charges to be framed within four weeks and witness examinations within two months.
