Will CPI-M Legislator Challenge Calcutta HC's Ruling on 32,000 Primary Teachers' Positions?
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Synopsis
CPI-M Rajya Sabha MP Bikash Ranjan Bhattacharya is poised to represent petitioners at the Supreme Court, challenging a Calcutta High Court ruling that upheld the jobs of 32,000 primary teachers in West Bengal. As legal battles unfold, the implications for educational employment in the region are significant.
Key Takeaways
- Bikash Ranjan Bhattacharya is prepared to fight for petitioners in the Supreme Court.
- The Calcutta HC upheld the jobs of 32,000 primary teachers.
- The CPI-M is not directing Bhattacharya's legal actions.
- The controversy stems from allegations of unfair recruitment practices.
- The outcome could significantly impact educational employment in West Bengal.
Kolkata, Dec 4 (NationPress) CPI-M Rajya Sabha MP and attorney Bikash Ranjan Bhattacharya announced on Thursday that he is prepared to engage in a legal fight at the Supreme Court should petitioners choose to contest the Calcutta High Court's division bench ruling that confirmed the positions of 32,000 primary teachers in West Bengal.
"Should the plaintiffs approach the Supreme Court, I will certainly represent them," Bhattacharya declared while addressing a group of reporters.
As a seasoned lawyer, Bhattacharya has previously represented petitioners in significant cases including the West Bengal School Service Commission recruitment fraud and the primary teachers' recruitment scandal.
Meanwhile, the CPI-M, which expressed approval of the High Court's ruling on Wednesday, is attempting to restrain Bhattacharya from taking further steps.
State CPI-M Secretary Mohammed Salim stated that the decision lies entirely with Bhattacharya.
"We have never dictated his actions as a party, and we won't start now. His professional decisions are personal, much like how we don’t instruct a doctor on how to treat a patient. The same principle applies here," Salim remarked.
The Calcutta High Court's division bench had, on Wednesday, overturned a previous ruling by a single-judge bench that had annulled the appointments of 32,000 primary teachers in government schools.
Lawyer Tarunjyoti Tiwari, representing the petitioners, indicated plans to appeal this decision in the Supreme Court.
Tiwari, who is also affiliated with the BJP's Legal Cell in West Bengal, is the lead counsel in this matter.
In a similar vein, fellow attorney Kaustav Bagchi, a BJP member, expressed support for contesting the High Court's ruling at the apex court.
Following their lead, Bhattacharya has also committed to advocating for the petitioners in this legal struggle.
On May 12, 2023, the then judge of the Calcutta High Court, currently a BJP Lok Sabha member, Abhijit Gangopadhyay, ordered the revocation of the 32,000 primary teacher jobs. This decision stemmed from petitions alleging improper recommendations for appointments despite lower rankings in recruitment exams.
The state government subsequently challenged this ruling in the division bench of the Calcutta High Court.
Point of View
The ongoing legal challenges regarding the employment of primary teachers in West Bengal highlight the intersection of education and justice in our society. It reflects the ongoing debates around recruitment practices and the safeguarding of educational standards. As such, this issue deserves close attention, not just from local stakeholders but from the entire nation.
NationPress
06/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main issue in this legal case?
The primary issue revolves around the legality of the appointments of 32,000 primary teachers in West Bengal, which a single-judge bench had annulled, but was later upheld by a division bench of the Calcutta High Court.
Who is representing the petitioners in the Supreme Court?
Bikash Ranjan Bhattacharya, a CPI-M MP and experienced lawyer, has expressed his intent to represent the petitioners if they decide to challenge the Calcutta High Court's ruling in the Supreme Court.
What prompted the original annulment of the teacher jobs?
The annulment was based on allegations that certain candidates obtained job recommendations despite ranking lower in recruitment exams, prompting legal action.
What stance has the CPI-M taken regarding this matter?
The CPI-M has welcomed the Calcutta High Court's ruling that upheld the teacher jobs and has left the decision for further legal action to Bikash Ranjan Bhattacharya's discretion.
What was the date of the original annulment ruling?
The original annulment order was issued on May 12, 2023, by Abhijit Gangopadhyay, a judge at the time, who is now a BJP Lok Sabha member.
