HC issues interim stay on SSC 2016 recruitment, over 1600 applicants face uncertainty

The Calcutta High Court has issued an interim stay on the recruitment for physical education and vocational training positions under the SSC 2016 examination. The order, announced by Justice Vishwajit Basu, halts the hiring process until further proceedings. As a result, the future of approximately 1,600 job applicants is now uncertain. The court’s decision comes after the state government sought to lift the stay imposed on the recruitment process, which had been in place since February 2023.

During the hearing, Justice Basu questioned the state government on the basis for its request to remove the stay order. The government argued that the suspension had already ended, but the court maintained that the recruitment would remain paused until the matter is resolved. The state had previously approached the court, seeking to recruit for additional vacancies in physical education and vocational education, but the court's decision has left the applicants in a prolonged wait.

The case has also been marked by protests and tensions. On April 25, several job-seeking candidates gathered outside the Calcutta High Court, voicing their frustration over the delay in recruitment. Lawyer Vikas Ranjan Bhattacharya, associated with the case, was reportedly involved in a confrontation, leading to claims of harassment by the police. This incident is being treated seriously by the court, with further legal action pending. The next hearing is scheduled for July 18, when the court will review the matter further.