Why Did the Bengal Government and WBSSC Challenge the HC Order Excluding 'Tainted' Candidates?

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Why Did the Bengal Government and WBSSC Challenge the HC Order Excluding 'Tainted' Candidates?

Synopsis

The West Bengal government and WBSSC are fighting back against a Calcutta High Court ruling that excludes 'tainted' candidates from new teaching recruitments. This unprecedented challenge follows a Supreme Court decision that invalidated over 25,000 jobs, raising questions about fairness in the recruitment process. Explore the implications and reactions surrounding this significant legal battle.

Key Takeaways

  • West Bengal government and WBSSC challenge Calcutta High Court ruling.
  • Exclusion of 'tainted' candidates from recruitment process under scrutiny.
  • New weightage criteria may disadvantage fresh candidates.
  • Legal implications could reshape hiring practices in education.
  • Fairness and transparency in recruitment remain vital.

Kolkata, July 8 (NationPress) The government of West Bengal and the West Bengal School Service Commission (WBSSC) have both filed separate appeals against the ruling from the single-judge bench of the Calcutta High Court. This ruling mandates that candidates already labeled as 'tainted' be excluded from the new recruitment process aimed at filling vacant teaching positions in state-run schools, a move prompted by a Supreme Court decision that annulled 25,753 jobs in April this year.

On Monday, Justice Saugata Bhattacharya, presiding over the single-judge bench, stated that any candidate recognized as 'tainted' should not participate in the new selection process. Furthermore, any applications submitted by these individuals for the current recruitment should be immediately rejected.

Despite this, the bench did not address the concerns raised by petitioners regarding new weightage criteria introduced in the recent recruitment notification, which awards 10 marks each for 'prior teaching experience' and 'lecture demonstration'.

The petitioners argued that the process for the new recruitment should mirror the one from 2016, the results of which were nullified by the Supreme Court in April. They contended that since the earlier recruitment was deemed illegal, it is unjust for previously employed teachers to benefit from the new criteria of 'prior teaching experience' and 'lecture demonstration'.

They maintained that the new recruitment process should ensure a fair competition for all eligible candidates and expressed concerns that these new criteria would disadvantage fresh applicants.

In contrast, the state government and WBSSC have approached the high court to contest the segment of the single-judge bench's ruling that insists on the exclusion of the identified 'tainted' candidates.

As a result, the single-judge bench's order has faced two separate challenges on different grounds.

Both petitions against the single-judge bench ruling were filed before the division bench comprising Justice Soumen Sen and Justice Smita Das, and both have been admitted for consideration.

Point of View

It is imperative to emphasize that fairness and integrity in recruitment processes must be upheld. The ongoing disputes between the West Bengal government, WBSSC, and the judicial system highlight the need for transparency and equal opportunity in educational employment. NationPress stands firm in advocating for a recruitment process that is just and equitable for all eligible candidates.
NationPress
20/07/2025

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main issue in the WBSSC case?
The main issue is the Calcutta High Court's order excluding 'tainted' candidates from the recruitment process for teaching positions, which the West Bengal government and WBSSC have challenged.
Why were the previous recruitments canceled?
The Supreme Court canceled the previous recruitments due to illegality, affecting over 25,000 jobs.
What are the new weightage criteria introduced?
The new weightage criteria include 10 marks each for 'prior teaching experience' and 'lecture demonstration'.
How are petitioners responding to the new criteria?
Petitioners argue that the new criteria disadvantage fresh candidates and should not benefit those previously labeled as 'tainted'.
What is the next step for the petitions filed?
Both petitions challenging the single-judge bench order have been admitted to the division bench for further consideration.