Is the Bengal Government Considering a Supreme Court Challenge on the WBSSC Job Case?
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Synopsis
The West Bengal government is weighing its options regarding a Supreme Court challenge to a ruling that excludes 'tainted' candidates from the WBSSC selection process. As legal opinions are sought, internal divisions emerge within the party leadership, raising critical questions about job security for affected candidates.
Key Takeaways
- West Bengal government is contemplating a Supreme Court appeal.
- Identified “tainted” candidates are excluded from the WBSSC selection.
- The Calcutta High Court upheld the exclusion ruling.
- Internal party divisions complicate the government’s decision.
- The ruling impacts over 25,000 job appointments.
Kolkata, July 11 (NationPress) The West Bengal government appears to be conflicted regarding whether to appeal to the Supreme Court against a ruling by a division bench of the Calcutta High Court, which upheld a previous directive from a single-judge bench mandating the exclusion of identified “tainted” candidates from the ongoing selection process conducted by the West Bengal School Service Commission (WBSSC).
This selection process aims to fill teaching positions in the state that are currently vacant due to a Supreme Court ruling in April, which annulled 25,753 school job appointments.
A member of the cabinet, speaking on the condition of anonymity, indicated that while legal experts are being consulted regarding the feasibility of an appeal to the Supreme Court, there is a division within the party leadership on this matter.
One faction advocates for a Supreme Court challenge to convey to all affected job seekers that the government is fully committed to safeguarding employment opportunities.
Conversely, others argue that the observations made by both the single-judge and division benches of the Calcutta High Court regarding the exclusion of “tainted” candidates lack sufficient merit to warrant a Supreme Court appeal.
Both benches noted that the Supreme Court had also mandated the exclusion of identified “tainted” candidates from the selection process in its April ruling.
Last Monday, the Calcutta High Court’s single-judge bench, presided over by Justice Saugata Bhattacharya, ruled that candidates labeled as “tainted” must be excluded from the selection process. Additionally, any application submitted for the fresh recruitment process by such candidates should be outright rejected.
The state government and the WBSSC challenged this directive in the division bench led by Justice Soumen Sen and Justice Smita Das.
On Thursday, the division bench upheld the single-judge bench’s ruling, dismissing the government’s argument that preventing identified “tainted” candidates from participating constitutes a form of double jeopardy.
Point of View
We prioritize delivering unbiased news. The West Bengal government’s indecision on appealing to the Supreme Court reflects a deeper struggle within the party. This situation highlights the delicate balance between legal integrity and public sentiment in employment matters, emphasizing the need for transparent decision-making.
NationPress
20/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the WBSSC job case about?
The WBSSC job case revolves around a Supreme Court ruling that annulled over 25,000 school job appointments, thereby necessitating the exclusion of identified 'tainted' candidates from the selection process.
What did the Calcutta High Court decide?
The Calcutta High Court upheld a directive to exclude 'tainted' candidates from the WBSSC recruitment process, reinforcing the Supreme Court's earlier ruling.
Why is the West Bengal government hesitating to appeal?
The hesitation stems from divided opinions within the party on the effectiveness and implications of challenging the High Court's ruling.
What are 'tainted' candidates?
‘Tainted’ candidates refer to individuals flagged for misconduct or irregularities in the hiring process, deemed ineligible for future employment.
How many jobs are affected by this ruling?
The Supreme Court ruling affected a total of 25,753 school job appointments in West Bengal.
