The Last Hope for 26,000 Teachers: Understanding the Power of a Curative Petition

Curative Petition: The state’s politics are in turmoil following the Supreme Court’s decision to cancel the jobs of nearly 26,000 teachers and non-teaching staff appointed through the 2016 SSC examination.

In this situation, the candidates who lost their jobs have approached the Supreme Court. Their last and most crucial tool in this fight could be the ‘Curative Petition’. Let’s delve into the details of this special legal provision.

What is a Curative Petition?

A curative petition is a unique concept in the Indian judicial system, primarily serving as a final opportunity for justice. Even after a review petition is dismissed by the Supreme Court, an appeal for reconsideration of the judgment can be made through this petition. The Supreme Court introduced this concept in 2002 in the ‘Rupa Ashok Hurra vs. Ashok Hurra’ case. Its main purpose is to rectify any gross miscarriage of justice or serious error in the judicial process.

When and How Curative Petition Filed?

The process of filing a curative petition is extremely stringent and it is accepted only in exceptional cases. Certain specific conditions must be met:

• Grounds: The petitioner must prove that there was a violation of the principles of natural justice or that the court was biased during the verdict.
• Certification: The petition must be accompanied by a certificate from a senior advocate, stating that there are sufficient grounds for filing it.
• Judicial Process: This petition is not heard directly in open court. It is first sent to a bench comprising the three senior-most judges of the Supreme Court and the judges who delivered the original verdict. Only if a majority of these judges believe that the matter needs to be heard again is it admitted for an open-court hearing.

The Importance of the Curative Petition for the SSC Job Losers

For those who lost their jobs in the 2016 SSC recruitment, the curative petition is a new ray of hope. Through this petition, they will get an opportunity to present their case anew before the Supreme Court. According to the petitioners, it is crucial to remain united and, if necessary, provide financial support to continue this legal battle. In their view, this is their last and most powerful step towards getting their jobs back.

Whether they will succeed in this fight, only time will tell. However, their united effort to protect their rights is undoubtedly commendable. With faith in the judicial system, they continue their struggle to reclaim their employment.