The Supreme Court has upheld the Calcutta High Court’s verdict, declaring 25,753 teacher and non-teaching staff appointments invalid in state-run and state-aided schools in West Bengal. The decision stems from serious irregularities in the 2016 West Bengal School Service Commission (SSC) recruitment process.
The ruling, delivered on April 3, 2025, confirms that the recruitment process was tainted, leading to mass terminations. However, those affected will not be required to refund any salaries they have received.
Supreme Court Upholds Dismissal of 25,000 Teachers
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruitment Year | 2016 |
| Affected Appointments | 25,753 teachers & staff |
| Supreme Court Verdict Date | April 3, 2025 |
| Primary Issue | Irregularities in selection |
| Number of Applicants | 23 lakh |
| Total Vacancies | 24,640 |
| Total Appointments Issued | 25,753 (Exceeding vacancy count) |
| Irregularities Noted | OMR sheet tampering, rank-jumping |
| Court’s Key Ruling | Appointments invalid, but salaries need not be refunded |
| CBI Investigation | Ongoing |
Supreme Court’s Decision on WB SSC Recruitment Scam
Key Findings of the Court
The Supreme Court Bench, led by Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar, upheld the Calcutta High Court’s decision, stating:
-
The entire selection process was flawed and tainted by manipulation.
-
Tampering of OMR sheets and rank manipulation compromised the fairness of recruitment.
-
The appointments could not be legally sustained due to the irregularities.
Final Court Directives
-
Termination Orders: All 25,753 teachers and non-teaching staff will be removed from their positions.
-
No Salary Refunds: Those terminated will not have to return salaries or benefits already received.
-
CBI Investigation Continues: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) will proceed with its probe into recruitment fraud.
Background of the Recruitment Scam
What Led to the Controversy?
The West Bengal School Service Commission (SSC) conducted a teacher and staff recruitment drive in 2016 for state-run and state-aided schools. However, multiple irregularities surfaced:
-
Total Vacancies Announced: 24,640
-
Appointments Issued: 25,753 (exceeding vacancies)
-
Tampering of OMR Sheets: Selection process was manipulated.
-
Rank-Jumping: Candidates with lower ranks were given priority.
Legal Battle Timeline
-
April 2024 – Calcutta High Court annuls 25,753 appointments citing irregularities.
-
May 2024 – Supreme Court allows CBI investigation into the scam.
-
December 19, 2024 – Supreme Court begins hearings on the case.
-
February 10, 2025 – Supreme Court reserves judgment after prolonged hearings.
-
April 3, 2025 – Supreme Court upholds HC ruling, confirming terminations.
Impact of the Supreme Court’s Verdict
What Happens Next?
-
Termination Implementation: The affected individuals will be removed from their jobs.
-
Further Investigations: The CBI probe will continue, possibly leading to legal action against those involved.
-
Policy Changes: The ruling may force reforms in recruitment procedures to prevent similar scams.
Will Affected Teachers Get Any Relief?
-
They will not have to return their past salaries.
-
Those appointed after official vacancies were filled may be required to return benefits with 12% interest as per the Calcutta High Court’s order.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why did the Supreme Court cancel 25,753 appointments?
The appointments were found to be based on tampered OMR sheets, rank-jumping, and other irregularities, making them legally invalid.
2. What happens to the terminated employees?
They will be removed from their positions, but they do not have to return salaries already received.
3. How many people applied for these jobs?
Around 23 lakh candidates applied for 24,640 vacancies, but 25,753 people were wrongfully appointed.
4. Is the CBI still investigating this case?
Yes, the CBI investigation is ongoing and may lead to legal action against those responsible for the fraud.
5. Did the Supreme Court make any exceptions for certain employees?
No, the verdict applies to all 25,753 appointments, but they will not be required to return salaries.
Click here to know more.