The Supreme Court’s recent decision brings a temporary pause to the unfolding saga of the West Bengal School Jobs Scam. While the Calcutta High Court’s ruling to annul over 25,000 appointments stands, the Supreme Court’s intervention suspends the directive for a CBI probe into government officials implicated in the scandal.
Courtroom Confrontation
Chief Justice Chandrachud’s rebuke of fraudulent practices underscores the severity of the situation, demanding clarity on the distinction between legitimate and deceitful appointments. Meanwhile, the Court refrains from impeding the High Court’s cancellation of approximately 24,000 appointments made in 2016, emphasizing the imperative to unveil the beneficiaries of the fraud.
Questioning Legitimacy
The Court’s scrutiny extends to the appointment process itself, branding the inclusion of individuals not on the panel as outright fraud. Despite restraining immediate action against West Bengal officials involved in creating supernumerary posts, the Court schedules further deliberation on the matter.
Contentious Legal Battle
Amidst legal wrangling, Senior Advocates present diverging views, highlighting the complexity of the case. While Senior Advocate Dwivedi argues against a CBI probe to avoid political ramifications, Senior Advocate Kaul underscores the possibility of holding those behind the cabinet notes accountable.
Unraveling the Scandal
At the heart of the controversy lies the infamous School Jobs for Cash Scam, alleging illegal recruitments across primary and secondary schools in West Bengal during the 2016 recruitment process. With millions of candidates vying for thousands of vacancies, suspicions arise over the fairness of the selection process.
High Court’s Intervention
Justices Basak and Rashidi’s directive for re-evaluation of all answer sheets and continuation of the CBI investigation reflects the gravity of the situation. The involvement of key political figures, including former education minister Partha Chatterjee and Trinamool Congress (TMC) party members, adds another layer of complexity to the scandal.
As the legal battle ensues, the fate of thousands of job appointments hangs in the balance, with the education system of West Bengal caught in the crossfire of alleged corruption and malpractice.
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