SSC OMR Sheet Case: The case concerning the publication of approximately 22 Lakh OMR sheets from the 2016 SSC examination has reached a critical juncture. Recently, the Supreme Court of India has scheduled a hearing for this case, which could determine the fate of about 26,000 job aspirants in West Bengal. The hearing is set to take place today, before the bench of Honorable Justice Sanjay Kumar and Justice Satish Chandra Sharma.
Case Background and Key Issues
This case is primarily linked to two separate petitions. The first, Diary No. 32408/2025, lists Suman Biswas as the petitioner versus the State of West Bengal. This petition was filed on June 10, 2025. The second, Diary No. 30303/2025, has Suman Biswas as the petitioner versus the Union of India and was filed on May 27, 2025. Both these cases will now be heard together.
The Role of the CBI
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has been included as a crucial party in this case. The Calcutta High Court had previously directed the CBI to recover and investigate these 22 Lakh OMR sheets. These sheets were recovered from three hard drives, and verifying their authenticity is paramount. The Supreme Court has raised questions about the authenticity of these OMR sheets, and the CBI’s certification will be vital for the case’s resolution. If the CBI can prove the authenticity of the sheets, it will be possible to distinguish between eligible and ineligible candidates, making the job cancellation process more transparent.
Hearing Schedule and Expectations
The case is listed as serial number 17 in Court No. 14 and will be heard today, July 25, 2025. It is expected that the hearing will conclude by 2:00 PM today. The petitioners have also filed for a stay order to halt the new recruitment process temporarily.
Future and Impact
The outcome of this hearing could have far-reaching consequences. If the court rules in favor of publishing the OMR sheets, deserving candidates will have a renewed opportunity to reclaim their jobs. On the other hand, if the authenticity of the sheets cannot be proven, the entire recruitment process will face further complications. Thousands of job aspirants and their families are looking towards this case. The hearing on July 25th will determine their future course.
