CBI flags Partha Chatterjee's bail violations in SSC recruitment scam
Synopsis
The CBI has moved court against former West Bengal Education Minister Partha Chatterjee, alleging he has stopped reporting to its office as required under his bail conditions in the SSC teachers' recruitment scam. His lawyers cite health issues and claim virtual-appearance requests were emailed to the agency — setting the stage for a potential bail revocation hearing on 29 September.
Key Takeaways
The CBI has accused former West Bengal Education Minister Partha Chatterjee of violating bail conditions in the SSC teachers' recruitment scam on 17 September 2026 .
The agency alleges Chatterjee has failed to report to the CBI office once a week as mandated by the Calcutta High Court .
A complaint has been filed before the special court at Bichar Bhavan, Kolkata ; the next hearing is on 29 September .
Chatterjee's lawyers cited health issues and said the CBI had been emailed about virtual appearances .
Chatterjee was arrested in July 2022 ; the ED recovered ₹20 crore in cash from aide Arpita Mukherjee's home on the day of arrest.
He was released from judicial custody on 11 November 2025 after over three years in custody.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Thursday, 17 September 2026, accused former West Bengal Education Minister Partha Chatterjee of repeatedly flouting the conditions of his bail in the multi-crore Staff Selection Commission (SSC) teachers' recruitment scam. The agency has approached the special court at Bichar Bhavan, Kolkata, seeking action against the former minister for allegedly failing to report regularly to the CBI office as mandated.
What the CBI Alleged
The central probe agency contended that Partha Chatterjee has not been appearing before the investigating officer as required under his bail terms — a condition the Calcutta High Court had specifically imposed when it granted him bail in September 2025. The High Court had made clear at the time that the lower court retained the authority to revoke bail if any condition was found to have been breached.
The CBI formally lodged a complaint against Chatterjee in the special court on Thursday. The next hearing in the matter is scheduled for 29 September.
Defence: Health Issues and Virtual Appearance Requests
Chatterjee's legal counsel pushed back in court, citing the former minister's deteriorating health and his occasional need for hospitalisation. The lawyer told the special court that the CBI had already been emailed regarding the possibility of virtual appearances as an alternative to physical visits — a request the agency has yet to formally respond to, according to defence submissions.
The counsel's argument frames the alleged non-compliance not as defiance but as a medical necessity, setting up a factual dispute the special court will have to resolve at the next hearing.
Bail Conditions and the Road to Release
The Calcutta High Court had granted Chatterjee bail on a personal bond of ₹10 lakh. The conditions were extensive: surrendering his passport to the lower court, not leaving the court's jurisdiction without permission, attending every scheduled hearing, refraining from intimidating witnesses or tampering with evidence, reporting to the investigating officer once a week, and not holding any government office.
Despite the bail order, Chatterjee's release was delayed by a Supreme Court directive requiring the trial court to complete examination of material witnesses within two months before he could walk free. He was ultimately released from judicial custody on 11 November 2025 — more than three years and three months after his initial arrest.
Background: Arrest, Cash Recovery, and the Scam
Chatterjee was first arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in July 2022 for his alleged role in the multi-crore SSC teachers' recruitment scam. On the day of his arrest, the ED reportedly recovered ₹20 crore in cash from the residence of his close associate Arpita Mukherjee, who was also taken into custody. Both were subsequently arrested by the CBI in connection with the same corruption case. Mukherjee was granted bail in 2024.
Notably, while Chatterjee retains his status as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA), he was not fielded by his party in the recently concluded state Assembly election.
What Happens Next
The special court will take up the CBI's complaint on 29 September, when it will hear arguments on whether the bail conditions have been materially violated. If the court agrees with the CBI, it could invoke the High Court's caveat and move to revoke bail — a prospect that will sharpen scrutiny of the health claims advanced by the defence. The outcome will also signal how strictly courts in West Bengal enforce conditions in high-profile corruption cases.
Point of View
The answer will be watched closely by both the accused in parallel cases and the agencies pursuing them.
NationPress
17 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why has the CBI approached court against Partha Chatterjee?
The CBI has filed a complaint before the special court at Bichar Bhavan, Kolkata, alleging that Partha Chatterjee has not been appearing before its investigating officer once a week — a condition imposed by the Calcutta High Court when it granted him bail in September 2025. The next hearing is scheduled for 29 September.
What are the bail conditions imposed on Partha Chatterjee?
The Calcutta High Court set several conditions: surrendering his passport, not leaving the lower court's jurisdiction without permission, attending all hearings, refraining from witness intimidation or evidence tampering, reporting to the CBI investigating officer once a week, and not holding any government office. He must also provide his mobile number to the court and investigating agency.
What is Partha Chatterjee's defence against the CBI's allegation?
His lawyer told the special court that Chatterjee is unwell and occasionally requires hospitalisation. The defence also stated that the CBI had been emailed about the possibility of virtual appearances as an alternative to physical reporting, framing the non-compliance as a health-related issue rather than deliberate violation.
What is the SSC teachers' recruitment scam?
It is a multi-crore corruption case involving alleged irregularities in teacher appointments through the West Bengal Staff Selection Commission (SSC). Partha Chatterjee, who served as the state's Education Minister, was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate in July 2022. On the day of his arrest, ₹20 crore in cash was reportedly recovered from the home of his aide Arpita Mukherjee.
Can Partha Chatterjee's bail be revoked?
Yes. The Calcutta High Court had explicitly stated at the time of granting bail that the lower court could revoke it if any condition was found to have been violated. The CBI's complaint directly invokes this provision, and the special court will assess the matter at the 29 September hearing.
