The Supreme Court has rejected a petition to postpone the upcoming teacher recruitment exam, providing a major boost to the West Bengal School Service Commission’s (SSC) efforts to fill vacancies left by the recent cancellation of over 25,000 jobs. The court firmly stated that with the examination dates already set, no further stay orders or delays would be granted.
The ruling comes amid ongoing legal battles and scrutiny following the cancellation of the jobs due to irregularities. The court’s decision signals a clear intention to move forward with a fresh, transparent recruitment process.
Last Chance for Applicants as Court Sets Deadline
In a key directive, the court has given a final opportunity to candidates who were unable to apply online. They have been instructed to submit their applications in hard copy by September 2. The court also noted that since admit cards have already been issued, the SSC will conduct a thorough review of all applications after the exam is completed. This measure aims to prevent ineligible candidates from securing a position.
SSC Assures Fair Process, Acknowledges Ineligible Candidates
The SSC’s legal counsel, Kalyan Bandyopadhyay, informed the court that nearly 1,900 teachers for classes 9 and 10 have been identified as ineligible. Out of a total of 500,000 applications, the names of ineligible candidates are being removed in compliance with the court’s directives. “There will be no irregularities whatsoever,” Bandyopadhyay assured the court, adding that the commission would publish a list of ineligible candidates tomorrow.
Court Responds to Concerns Over Integrity
Lawyers representing the petitioners raised concerns that ineligible individuals might still be allowed to sit for the exam and also pointed out a lack of clarity regarding the exact number of vacant posts. The court addressed these anxieties directly, responding, “Nothing of the sort will happen; have faith. We are keeping an eye on everything.”
The court also made it clear that if a candidate is found to be ineligible even after taking the exam, their results will be nullified. Furthermore, it has instructed anyone with information about ineligible individuals who have received admit cards to report it to the commission. This directive reinforces the commitment to a fair and merit-based selection process.