Calcutta HC halts state-run Madrasa teacher recruitment over eligibility concerns

The Calcutta High Court has imposed an interim stay on the recruitment of assistant teachers for classes 5 to 8 in state-run madrasas. Justice Saugata Bhattacharyya ruled that results cannot be published without court approval. The recruitment process, initiated by the West Bengal Madrasa Service Commission, was part of the seventh State Level Selection Test (SLST), announced in 2023 for 1,729 vacancies. The selection process included a 90-mark written exam and a 10-mark interview, with final appointments based on a merit list.

The case was filed after allegations surfaced that some candidates participated despite missing the mandatory training deadline. Petitioners claimed that the eligibility criteria were compromised, affecting the fairness of the selection process. The court’s order has stalled hiring in 614 madrasas across the state, with no timeline set for resolution. The commission had previously announced the recruitment to address teacher shortages, but the latest legal development has halted further proceedings.

Sources indicate that the recruitment process had already been delayed due to administrative and legal issues. Candidates awaiting results are now uncertain about the next steps as they await further judicial proceedings. The court is yet to announce the next hearing date, and no official statement has been issued by the state authorities or the commission regarding the way forward.