Calcutta HC division bench halts job cancellations of 32,000 primary teachers

In a revised decision, Justice Abhijit Gangopadhyay has ordered the cancellation of 32,000 primary teacher jobs instead of the initially announced 36,000 in the West Bengal teacher recruitment scam. 

The judge stated that jobs were sold in large quantities, and efforts were being made to conceal the wrongdoing.

The modification in the decision came after it was brought to the court's attention that there were typographical errors in the judgment. Plaintiff's lawyer Tarunjyoti Tiwari highlighted two mistakes, including an incorrect minimum panel number and an error in the appointment count.

Justice Gangopadhyay acknowledged the errors during Tuesday's hearing and amended the judgment accordingly. He ordered the cancellation of 32,000 teacher appointments, stating that the actual number was close to that figure.

Commenting on the canceled jobs, Justice Abhijit Gangopadhyay anticipated a political reaction to his statement and emphasized that the court was not to blame. He mentioned that bulk job sales had taken place, and attempts were being made to divert attention from the issue. The revised decision also revealed that the cancellation extended beyond the Aptitude Test and encompassed various illegal methods employed during the recruitment process.

While para teachers raised concerns about their own aptitude tests not being conducted, the judge clarified that he did not possess the authority to alter his order and urged them to speak out against those involved in illegal monetary transactions.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had expressed solidarity with the affected primary teachers and assured her support. The government had considered appealing the court's decision and stressed its compassionate stance toward unemployed teachers.