A division bench of the Calcutta High Court on Monday reserved its judgment on appeals challenging a single-bench order directing the West Bengal government and the West Bengal Central School Service Commission to continue with the teacher recruitment process.
The bench, led by Justice Soumen Sen and Justice Smita Das De, heard arguments from all parties before reserving the verdict.
Background
The recruitment drive, launched through a notification dated May 30, aims to fill teaching positions in government-sponsored and aided schools across West Bengal. The recruitment process is critical after the annulment of nearly 26,000 school job appointments due to a tainted selection process, a matter currently pending before the Supreme Court.
In compliance with the bench’s directions, the state government, the West Bengal Board of Secondary Education, and the SSC presented copies of affidavits filed in the Supreme Court related to this annulment case.
State’s Arguments
Advocate General Kishore Dutta appeared for the state and defended the recruitment notification, stating it was designed to meet “modern-day requirements” and ultimately serve the benefit of students. He asserted that the May 30 notification complies with legal standards.
Further, Dutta challenged the standing of the petitioner before the single bench, arguing that the petitioner, claiming to be a candidate, lacks the legal right (locus standi) to contest the recruitment process.
Single Bench’s Earlier Order and Petitioner’s Objections
The appeals challenge the single-bench order dated July 7, which directed the government and the commission to proceed with the recruitment process initiated by the May 30 notification.
A candidate had also filed a petition against the single bench’s decision not to entertain objections regarding certain rules framed in 2025. These rules pertain to:
The fixation of minimum marks in graduation/post-graduation qualifications to determine eligibility for candidates.
Changes in the allotment pattern of marks during the recruitment.
Next Steps
The division bench reserved its judgment following the conclusion of hearings. The verdict will determine whether the recruitment process continues as planned or if modifications are necessary based on the challenges raised.
This ruling is awaited closely, given the critical nature of filling teaching positions in West Bengal’s education sector and the broader implications of the ongoing Supreme Court case concerning earlier recruitment irregularities.
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