SSC Recruitment Case: The School Service Commission (SSC) once again faced sharp criticism in the Calcutta High Court’s division bench. The bench, led by Justice Soumen Sen, questioned the commission’s jurisdiction in advocating for “marked ineligible” candidates. This case has reignited the debate over transparency and legal validity in the state’s educational recruitment process.
The Court’s Tough Questions
During the hearing, Justice Sen repeatedly questioned whether the SSC has any legal right or standing to speak on behalf of these candidates marked as “ineligible.” He asked what difference it makes to the commission whether these candidates participate in the new recruitment process or not. The commission was virtually cornered by the court’s pointed questions. The division bench’s stern attitude indicates that it is taking the matter very seriously and will not tolerate any lack of transparency.
SSC’s Argument and Counter-Arguments
The commission argued that if the marked ineligible candidates cannot participate in the new recruitment, then the unsuccessful candidates from the 2016 process should also not be given the opportunity. They claimed that neither the Supreme Court nor the Calcutta High Court has explicitly barred these ineligible candidates from participating in new recruitment.
However, the High Court dismissed this argument and countered with its own questions. The court asked whether failing in one recruitment process means a candidate cannot participate in any future recruitment processes. Isn’t such an argument arbitrary? The court further questioned whether the commission’s argument implies that individuals identified as corrupt and fraudulent by the Supreme Court should also be allowed to participate in the new recruitment process.
The Commission’s Defense and the Future of the Case
The commission stated that the state government and the commission have the authority to make such policy decisions in the interest of the people of the state. However, there is doubt as to how acceptable this argument will be in court. The commission had previously faced criticism from a single bench for siding with these ineligible candidates. Now, the stern stance of the division bench has further increased the pressure on the commission.
The hearing has been adjourned and is scheduled to resume after 2 PM. The future of thousands of job aspirants in the state depends on the verdict of this case. All eyes are now on the next move of the Calcutta High Court’s division bench. This case could set a new direction for the state’s recruitment process and play a crucial role in ensuring transparency and accountability in the future.
