Calcutta High Court Mandates Transparency in WBSSC Recruitment
The Calcutta High Court has issued a significant directive to the West Bengal School Service Commission (WBSSC), ordering it to modify and republish the complete list of 'tainted' candidates from the controversial 2016 school recruitment process. This decisive move aims to ensure full transparency and prevent ineligible candidates from participating in the upcoming 2025 examination cycle.
Court Order Comes in Response to Petition
The High Court's order came during a hearing on a petition filed on Monday, which raised serious concerns about how candidates with questionable selections in the 2016 recruitment process could potentially appear for the 2025 WBSSC examination. The petitioners argued that publishing detailed information, including OMR sheets, was essential to determine the eligibility of these candidates properly.
During the proceedings, the petitioner's counsel highlighted specific concerns, stating, "Tainted candidates' names have been published in the interview list. Fourteen in the interview list, 958 in the 'tainted' list. Is this the same person? That is our query. These persons could not be allowed to appear." The counsel further emphasized that publishing OMR sheets was necessary to make the process absolutely transparent and to identify any candidates who might have slipped through the scrutiny process.
WBSSC's Defense and Court's Observations
The WBSSC's counsel presented a different perspective, arguing that some 'tainted' candidates, particularly those with disabilities, had received protection from the Supreme Court and should be permitted to participate in the selection process. The commission specifically mentioned candidates Nitish Ranjan Barman and Narayan Chandra Pal, both physically handicapped individuals who had obtained Supreme Court protection.
Justice Amrita Sinha, presiding over the single bench, made crucial observations during the hearing. The bench noted that in August, the Supreme Court had recorded the SSC's submission that no 'tainted' candidates from 2016 would participate in the 2025 selection test. However, the court acknowledged that if any such candidates managed to slip through, their eligibility would be thoroughly scrutinized.
Justice Sinha specifically addressed the issue of disabled candidates, stating, "It appears that the Supreme Court made it clear that other differently abled candidates will not be entitled to the same benefits as given in case of Soma Das as it would contradict legal principle and rule of law. However, considering their disability, candidates may continue and receive wages till the new recruitment process is completed."
Key Directives and Future Implications
The court delivered several important directives that will shape the 2025 recruitment process:
- The WBSSC must publish the modified list of 'tainted' candidates with additional details including roll numbers, names, father's names, and subjects
- Differently-abled candidates will be permitted to participate in the fresh recruitment process with age relaxation and other concessions
- The commission must take appropriate steps regarding tainted candidates in the selection test to ensure compliance with Supreme Court orders
This ruling represents a significant step toward maintaining fairness and integrity in the West Bengal school recruitment process. By ensuring complete transparency through the publication of detailed candidate information, the Calcutta High Court aims to restore public confidence in the examination system and prevent any recurrence of the controversies that marred the 2016 recruitment cycle.
