School Jobs Scam Case | Modify & republish ‘tainted’ candidates names: HC to SSC
The High Court order came in response to a petition, moved in on Monday, questioning how candidates with 'tainted' selections in 2016 could appear for the 2025 WBSSC exam.
The Calcutta High Court dismissed a PIL challenging the construction of a mosque named ‘Babri Masjid’ by suspended TMC MLA Humayun Kabir in Murshidabad. (File)
The Calcutta High Court directed the West Bengal School Service Commission (WBSSC) to modify and republish the list of ‘tainted’ candidates from 2016, including roll numbers, names, father’s name, and subjects, to ensure transparency and prevent ineligible candidates from appearing in the 2025 exam. This order aims to maintain fairness in the selection process, following the Supreme Court’s directive that no ‘tainted’ candidate should participate in the selection test.
The High Court order came in response to a petition, moved in on Monday, questioning how candidates with ‘tainted’ selections in 2016 could appear for the 2025 WBSSC exam.
The petitioners argued that publishing OMR sheets and other details was necessary to determine the eligibility of these candidates.
During the hearing, the petitioner’s counsel submitted, “Tainted candidates’ names have been published in the interview list (naming one — Nitish Ranjan Barman). 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. This can all be done if the OMR sheets and other details are published only then can this be determined.”
“To make it absolutely transparent the publishing of OMR sheets is needed, to see who has slipped in or the others who have been brought in. This is a deceptive way to mislead the court. Why will the SSC hide the information.?” the petitioner’s counsel further submitted.
The WBSSC’s counsel submitted that some ‘tainted’ candidates, including disabled individuals, had been protected by the Supreme Court and should be allowed to participate in the selection process. “Barman is physically handicapped and the Supreme Court has protected him. Narayan Chandra Pal is also physically handicapped protected by the SC. Secondly, the spelling is not correct and the Commission could not verify their identity. In consideration of their disability – the disabled candidates will be allowed to participate in the selection process,” the SSC counsel submitted.
The single bench of Justice Amrita Sinha, observed, “Do you want to give concession to the tainted disabled candidates? The tainted candidates that are there will continue till the fresh selection process. That means you say you knew they were in the tainted list but they have been given consideration as they are disabled.”
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After hearing all sides the court ordered, “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.” The court also held that the disabled candidates will be permitted to participate in the fresh process with age relaxation and other concessions.
The bench observed, “In August, the SC recorded the SSC’s submission that no “tainted” candidates from the 2016 recruitment process would be allowed to participate in the 2025 selection test. However, if any such candidates managed to slip through, their eligibility would be scrutinized…” “Since the OMR sheets have not been published, the Commission needs to release the list of “tainted” candidates with additional details, including father’s name, subject, to facilitate identification and removal of ineligible candidates. Accordingly the commission shall take steps in regards to the tainted candidates in the selection test,” Justice Sinha said.
Tanusree Bose is a dedicated journalist reporting for The Indian Express from Kolkata. Her work focuses sharply on the complex administrative, political, and judicial developments across West Bengal, establishing her as an authoritative voice in regional news coverage.
Experience
Current Role: Reports for the prestigious national daily, The Indian Express, providing her content with a high level of Trustworthiness.
Geographical Expertise: Provides focused, in-depth coverage of West Bengal, demonstrating an intimate knowledge of the state's news and political nuances.
Core Authority: Her reporting portfolio highlights deep Expertise in crucial, often sensitive, beats, including:
State Politics and Governance: Covering the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC), opposition strategies (BJP), and internal political controversies.
Judicial and Administrative Affairs: Closely monitoring key developments in the Calcutta High Court, particularly major rulings related to employment, education, and social issues.
Education Sector: Extensive reporting on significant controversies, such as teacher recruitment irregularities and administrative actions by the West Bengal Board of Secondary Education (WBBSE).
Social & Electoral Issues: Covering public events, community tensions (e.g., religious/political gatherings), and election-related processes like the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral roll.
Tanusree Bose's consistent output and focus on high-stakes regional issues for a trusted media outlet underscore her status as a reliable and authoritative source for news from West Bengal. ... Read More
