No CBI probe into creation of extra teacher posts: SC on WB school jobs scam
The Supreme Court has delivered a significant verdict in the ongoing West Bengal school jobs scam, stating that there will be no Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into the creation of additional posts to accommodate over 25,000 teaching and non-teaching staff sacked from the state’s School Service Commission. The apex court’s decision comes after the Calcutta High Court had earlier directed a CBI inquiry into the matter.
The controversy surrounding the creation of additional posts began when the West Bengal government decided to create new posts to accommodate the sacked staff. The move was seen as a clear example of nepotism and favoritism, with many questioning the government’s motives behind the decision.
The Calcutta High Court had taken cognizance of the matter and directed a CBI inquiry, citing the alleged irregularities in the creation of the additional posts. However, the West Bengal government had appealed against the order, arguing that the court had no jurisdiction to investigate decisions made by the cabinet.
The Supreme Court, in its verdict, agreed with the West Bengal government’s stance, stating that courts had been barred from investigating decisions made by the cabinet. The apex court held that the creation of additional posts was a policy decision taken by the government, and it was not for the court to question the wisdom of such a decision.
The Supreme Court’s decision has been seen as a major setback for the opposition parties in West Bengal, who had been demanding a CBI inquiry into the matter. The opposition parties had alleged that the creation of additional posts was a clear case of corruption and nepotism, and that the government was using public funds to reward its loyalists.
The ruling Trinamool Congress government, on the other hand, has hailed the Supreme Court’s decision as a major victory. The government has claimed that the creation of additional posts was a necessary step to ensure that the state’s education sector was not affected by the mass sackings.
The Supreme Court’s verdict has also been seen as a blow to the morale of the sacked staff, who had been fighting for justice for years. The staff had alleged that they were unfairly targeted by the government, and that their sackings were a result of political vendetta.
The Supreme Court’s decision has also sparked a debate on the role of courts in investigating government decisions. Many have argued that the court’s decision to set aside the Calcutta High Court’s order is a clear example of the judiciary’s reluctance to intervene in political affairs.
However, others have argued that the Supreme Court’s decision is a necessary check on the executive’s power. They have pointed out that the court’s role is to ensure that government decisions are taken in a fair and transparent manner, and that the creation of additional posts without a proper inquiry is a clear violation of these principles.
In conclusion, the Supreme Court’s decision to set aside the Calcutta High Court’s order directing a CBI inquiry into the creation of additional posts in West Bengal’s School Service Commission has significant implications for the ongoing school jobs scam. While the ruling government has hailed the decision as a major victory, the sacked staff and opposition parties have expressed disappointment and frustration.
The controversy surrounding the creation of additional posts has once again raised questions about the government’s accountability and transparency. It is essential that the government takes steps to ensure that public funds are used in a fair and transparent manner, and that such controversies are avoided in the future.
News Source: https://x.com/ANI/status/1909487504199238027
