Supreme Court Stays CBI Probe in West Bengal SSC Recruitment Case

West Bengal SSC Recruitment Case: Supreme Court Stays CBI Probe; Hearing Set for May 6

In a significant development, the Indian Supreme Court has intervened in the ongoing West Bengal SSC recruitment case. The Court has stayed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)'s investigation into the recruitment process conducted by the School Service Commission (SSC). Here are the key details:

1. Background:

   • The controversy revolves around the appointment of 25,753 teachers and non-teaching staff in state-run and state-aided schools through the SSC.
   • The Calcutta High Court had previously declared the entire panel of 2016 SSC teachers’ recruitment null and void. Consequently, it canceled the appointments of these teachers and staff.

2. Supreme Court’s Intervention:

   • The apex court, comprising Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, Justice JB Pardiwala, and Justice Manoj Misra, heard the plea filed by the West Bengal government.
   • The government challenged the high court’s decision, arguing that the cancellation of appointments was done arbitrarily.
   • The Calcutta High Court had also ordered the CBI to investigate the involvement of state government officials in approving the creation of supernumerary posts to accommodate illegal appointments.
   • The Supreme Court has now stayed the high court’s order, preventing the CBI from undertaking further investigation against these officials.
   • The matter is scheduled for a detailed hearing on May 6.

3. Previous Years’ Statistics:

   • The controversy has far-reaching implications, affecting the education system in the state.
   • Over the last decade, the pass percentages and the number of candidates appearing for SSC exams have fluctuated. For instance:
     • In 2023, approximately 6,82,321 candidates appeared for the exam, with an overall pass percentage of 86.15%.
     • In 2022, the pass percentage was 86.60%, while in 2021, it was an exceptional 100%.
     • The year 2020 saw a pass percentage of 86.34%, and in 2019, it was 86.07%.

4. Boys vs. Girls:

   • Interestingly, boys have outperformed girls in some years. For instance:
     • In 2022, boys achieved a pass percentage of 88.59%, while girls recorded 85%.
     • The West Bengal government contends that the high court’s decision has disrupted the education system, leaving teaching and non-teaching staff in limbo.

The upcoming hearing on May 6 will determine the fate of these appointments and shed light on the alleged irregularities. Stay tuned for further updates!