Will the Trial Process in the WBSSC Case Begin Today?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
Kolkata is set to witness the commencement of trial proceedings linked to the WBSSC scam as the CBI prepares to record witness statements. This pivotal moment comes after the Supreme Court's cancellation of a significant job panel, stirring the ongoing investigation into recruitment irregularities.
Key Takeaways
- The trial in the WBSSC scam begins today in Kolkata.
- Witness statements will be recorded over three days.
- Partha Chatterjee is identified as the key figure in the scam.
- The Supreme Court has annulled the 2016 job panel due to irregularities.
- Ongoing investigations by CBI and ED continue to unfold.
Kolkata, Sep 19 (NationPress) The trial proceedings concerning the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)-registered cases linked to the alleged multi-crore West Bengal School Service Commission (WBSSC) scam are set to initiate at a special court in Kolkata starting this afternoon.
According to sources, the proceedings will commence with the recording of statements from witnesses mentioned in the charge sheet and additional charge sheets submitted by the CBI.
The recording of witness statements is expected to begin this afternoon and will also take place on Saturday and Monday.
Once the witness statements are recorded, the process of presenting arguments and counterarguments by the legal representatives of the involved parties will follow.
In the past ten days, the charge-framing for various cases tied to the WBSSC recruitment irregularities has been concluded at the special court, paving the way for the trial to begin.
The cases now entering the trial phase include irregularities related to the hiring of secondary, higher secondary, and upper primary teachers, alongside non-teaching staff in Group-C and Group-D categories in state-operated schools—recruitments that were overseen by the WBSSC.
This year, a division bench of the Supreme Court annulled the entire 2016 panel of 25,753 school jobs from the WBSSC, citing the inability to distinguish between “untainted” candidates, who secured positions by merit, and “tainted” candidates, who obtained jobs through monetary means.
Earlier this month, a written examination for new recruitment to fill vacant posts for secondary and high secondary teachers, following the Supreme Court's directive, was conducted.
Two central agencies, the CBI and the Enforcement Directorate (ED), are simultaneously investigating various aspects of the alleged WBSSC recruitment scam. Both agencies have identified former West Bengal Education Minister and Trinamool Congress Secretary General, Partha Chatterjee, as the main orchestrator in these cases.
There are also concerns regarding irregularities in the recruitment of primary teachers in state-run schools, overseen by the West Bengal Board of Primary Education (WBBPE). However, the timeline for charge-framing and the start of trial proceedings in these cases remains uncertain.
Partha Chatterjee is similarly recognized as the primary figure in the alleged primary teachers' recruitment irregularities.
Point of View
It is crucial to recognize the impact of these proceedings on the integrity of educational recruitment in India. The ongoing investigations by the CBI and ED highlight the need for transparency and accountability in public service appointments. The nation watches closely as justice takes its course.
NationPress
20/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the WBSSC scam?
The WBSSC scam involves allegations of irregularities in the recruitment process for teachers and non-teaching staff in West Bengal's state-run schools, leading to a multi-crore investigation.
Who is Partha Chatterjee?
Partha Chatterjee is the former West Bengal Education Minister and is identified as the principal mastermind behind the alleged recruitment irregularities.
What is the role of the CBI in this case?
The CBI is responsible for investigating the alleged recruitment irregularities and has registered multiple cases linked to the WBSSC scam.
When will the trial start?
The trial process will begin with the recording of witness statements starting today and will continue over the upcoming days.
What has the Supreme Court ruled regarding WBSSC?
The Supreme Court annulled the entire 2016 job panel of WBSSC, stating it was impossible to separate merit-based candidates from those who gained employment through corrupt means.
