Why is the Calcutta HC Directing the Bengal Government on Teachers' Protests?
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Synopsis
The Calcutta High Court's directive for the West Bengal government to explain its stance against protesting teachers highlights the ongoing tensions following job losses. As the court prepares for further hearings, the teachers remain resolute in their demands for justice and transparency.
Key Takeaways
- Calcutta High Court demands affidavit from West Bengal government.
- Teachers' protests follow job losses due to Supreme Court ruling.
- Next hearing set for Friday to evaluate the state's response.
- Police are barred from intervening during protests.
- Teachers call for transparency in hiring practices.
Kolkata, May 22 (NationPress) The Calcutta High Court has instructed the West Bengal government to submit an affidavit explaining its opposition to the protests by teachers, who were dismissed following a Supreme Court ruling last month. The protests were staged in front of Bikas Bhavan, the state Education Department headquarters located in northern Kolkata.
Justice Tirthankar Ghosh, presiding over a single-judge bench, indicated that the upcoming hearing will be influenced by the contents of the affidavit submitted by the state government.
The court has scheduled the next hearing for Friday, after which a final ruling will be delivered. Justice Ghosh also prohibited the police from taking any action against the teachers protesting during this interim period.
The primary concern of the state government regarding the demonstrations at Bikas Bhavan is the involvement of outsiders, whose actions have allegedly escalated the protests into violent confrontations. This was particularly evident on May 15, when a faction of protesters breached the department's premises by forcing open the main entrance.
According to the state's legal representative, not only the employees of the Education Department but also those from other state departments are facing challenges in fulfilling their responsibilities.
On the night of May 15, personnel from the Bidhannagar Police Commissionerate employed batons against the protesting teachers, resulting in numerous injuries to the demonstrators.
In compliance with Justice Ghosh's directive issued on Wednesday, the protesting educators, against whom the police initiated a suo motu case, reported to the Bidhannagar North Police Station on Thursday evening for questioning. After leaving the police station, the teachers asserted their determination to continue protesting.
The key demand of the protesting teachers is for the West Bengal government and the West Bengal School Service Commission to promptly release lists distinguishing the 'untainted' candidates from those deemed 'tainted,' who allegedly secured jobs through corrupt means.
On April 3, the Supreme Court's division bench, led by then Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar, upheld a prior ruling by a division bench of the Calcutta High Court, which annulled 25,753 school job appointments.
The apex court endorsed the Calcutta High Court's conclusion that the entire panel of 25,753 candidates must be annulled due to the state government's and commission's failure to differentiate between 'untainted' and 'tainted' candidates.
Both the state government and the West Bengal School Service Commission (WBSSC) have already submitted review petitions to the Supreme Court regarding this matter.
Point of View
We stand firmly in support of transparency and justice in educational reforms. The ongoing protests by teachers in West Bengal reflect broader concerns about fairness and integrity within the hiring process. It is crucial for the state to address these grievances while ensuring that the integrity of the education system is upheld.
NationPress
08/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What led to the protests by teachers in West Bengal?
The protests were sparked by the dismissal of teachers following a Supreme Court ruling that annulled over 25,000 school job appointments due to issues of corruption.
What is the role of the Calcutta High Court in this matter?
The Calcutta High Court is overseeing the legal proceedings and has directed the West Bengal government to provide an affidavit explaining its opposition to the protests.
What are the main demands of the protesting teachers?
The teachers are demanding the immediate publication of lists that separate 'untainted' candidates from 'tainted' ones who allegedly gained employment through corrupt practices.
What actions has the police taken against the protesting teachers?
On May 15, the Bidhannagar Police Commissionerate used baton charges against the protesters, resulting in numerous injuries.
What was the Supreme Court's decision regarding the school jobs?
The Supreme Court upheld a decision to annul 25,753 school job appointments due to the state's failure to identify candidates who obtained jobs through corruption.
