SC dismisses high primary case, clearing path for over 14,000 teacher appointments in Bengal

Supreme Court's ruling allows for the appointment of over 14,000 teachers in West Bengal
Kolkata High Court's directives for a new merit list have been upheld by the Supreme Court
Recruitment process resumes after nearly nine years, ensuring timely placements for aspiring educators

The Supreme Court of India has dismissed a case concerning the recruitment of primary school teachers in West Bengal, allowing for the appointment of over 14,000 teachers. This ruling effectively removes obstacles that had previously delayed the hiring process, which has been stalled for nearly nine years. The decision provides a clear path for the state government to proceed with the necessary appointments.

The case was initiated after a directive from the Kolkata High Court on August 28 required the School Service Commission (SSC) to publish a new merit list for high primary school teacher appointments. The High Court emphasized the need for transparency in the selection process. The Supreme Court, presided over by Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, upheld this directive, indicating that the SSC must comply with the court’s order.

With the dismissal of the case, the SSC is expected to commence counseling for the 14,052 vacant positions as directed by the Supreme Court. The process will involve candidate selection based on the new merit list established by the SSC. The commission has confirmed its commitment to following the procedures outlined by the Kolkata High Court to ensure a fair recruitment process.

The recruitment process has faced significant delays since it was initially put on hold in 2015. In 2020, the Kolkata High Court annulled the previous recruitment process, but the publication of the merit panel was allowed in 2023. The subsequent legal disputes complicated the recruitment timeline, creating uncertainty for many candidates seeking employment.

The Kolkata High Court has mandated that the SSC must finalize the hiring of teachers by November 21, 2024. This deadline is crucial, as it sets a specific timeframe for filling the reported vacancies, which currently total 14,339 across the state’s primary schools. The SSC is now under pressure to adhere to this timeline and complete the recruitment process efficiently.

Tags:

Supreme Court