Former education minister Partha Chatterjee secures bail in SSC Scam, still faces jail

In a significant turn in West Bengal’s School Service Commission (SSC) recruitment scam, former Education Minister Partha Chatterjee was granted bail in two CBI cases related to 9th-10th and 11th-12th grade teacher recruitments on September 3, 2025, by a special CBI court in Alipore, Kolkata. Despite this relief, Chatterjee, currently hospitalized due to serious health issues, remains in custody due to a pending primary teachers’ recruitment case.

The court saw nearly 70 of the 75 accused in the scam appear, with most securing bail on personal bonds of ₹7,000, marking a crucial moment in a scandal that has gripped the state since 2022. The development offers hope to the accused but leaves thousands of affected job aspirants seeking justice.The SSC scam involves allegations of manipulated recruitments for Group C staff, 9th-10th, and 11th-12th grade teaching posts, where unqualified candidates allegedly secured jobs through tampered OMR sheets and bribes. On September 3, the Alipore court processed bail applications for most of the 75 accused named in the CBI’s chargesheets, including TMC MLA Paresh Adhikari, his daughter Ankita, and SSC officials like Samarjit Acharya and Parna Basu. While Chatterjee, a key figure in the scandal, was not arrested in the 9th-10th and 11th-12th cases, his name featured prominently in the chargesheets, linking him to systemic irregularities during his tenure as Education Minister from 2014 to 2021.

Chatterjee’s absence from the court was notable, as he is currently undergoing treatment for severe health issues, reportedly requiring oxygen support. His lawyers secured bail in the two CBI cases, following his earlier conditional bail from the Supreme Court in the Group C case in August 2025. The court set a personal bond of ₹7,000 for his release in these cases, but his freedom hinges on the outcome of the primary teachers’ recruitment case, investigated by the Enforcement Directorate (ED).

The CBI had opposed bail for all accused, arguing that their influence could tamper with evidence, but the court granted relief to most, citing procedural progress.The SSC scam has had far-reaching consequences, with the Calcutta High Court canceling over 24,000 appointments in 2024, leaving many teachers and staff jobless. The Supreme Court’s directive for a speedy trial has pushed the CBI to expedite proceedings, with the Alipore court set to frame charges soon. The involvement of high-profile figures like Chatterjee, a former TMC stalwart, and the recovery of ₹49.8 crore in cash from his associate Arpita Mukherjee’s properties, have fueled public anger and political debates.

The scam’s exposure has also highlighted systemic flaws in West Bengal’s public recruitment processes.For the accused, including Chatterjee, the bail grants mark a step toward potential release, but the legal battle is far from over. The primary teachers’ case, where Chatterjee faces serious money-laundering charges, remains a significant hurdle. His health condition adds complexity, with lawyers citing his need for medical care as a factor in bail pleas. Meanwhile, the affected candidates, many of whom lost jobs or opportunities, continue to demand accountability, viewing the bail decisions with skepticism.

The court’s next steps, including charge framing, will be critical in determining the scam’s resolution.The SSC scam case remains a flashpoint in West Bengal, with implications for the TMC government and the state’s education system. As Chatterjee and others await further hearings, the public watches closely, hoping for justice in a scandal that has shaken trust in public institutions. The Alipore court’s reserved orders and the Supreme Court’s push for a swift trial signal that the legal process is gaining momentum, but for now, Chatterjee’s release remains elusive, tethered to the outcome of his final pending case.