SSC Case Update: Big Setback in SSC Case Justice Strict Order on Recruitment from Expired Panel

SSC Case Update: The School Service Commission (SSC) case in the Calcutta High Court has taken a dramatic turn. During the hearing in Justice Amrita Sinha’s court, several sensational details emerged, once again questioning the state’s teacher recruitment process. The court’s strict observations and orders have created fresh uncertainty regarding the future of thousands of candidates. Specifically, the Justice’s reprimand regarding the facilitation of ‘tainted’ candidates and recruitment from expired panels is highly significant.

Fear of Corruption and Justice’s Observation

At the beginning of the hearing, Justice Amrita Sinha expressed deep concern about transparency in the recruitment process. She fears that without strict court intervention, another major corruption or ‘scam’ might occur in the process. The Justice clearly remarked, “Nobody wants to disclose anything correctly; I feel some scam might happen again.” She also raised questions about whether the SSC authorities are repeatedly trying to give opportunities to ineligible candidates.

Controversy and Complaints Regarding ‘Tainted’ Candidates

Lawyers for the petitioners claimed that under no circumstances should ‘tainted’ candidates get an opportunity in the 2025 selection process. Allegations have been raised that a section of the SSC authority is still not following the path of transparency.

The main allegations raised during the hearing are:

• OMR Manipulation: Candidates are being given opportunities despite discrepancies in their OMR sheets or answer scripts.
• Rank Jumping: Jobs have been given to lower-ranked candidates by violating the merit list rules.
• Lack of Clarity in List: In the list of over 1800 candidates published by SSC (who will not be called for interviews), it is not clearly mentioned who has OMR mismatches or who indulged in rank jumping.

Expired Panel Issue

One of the most critical aspects of this case is the continuation of recruitment even after the panel’s validity had expired. Justice Sinha has clearly stated that any recruitment from an expired panel is completely illegal. While the SSC’s lawyer argued that they worked following court orders due to the long recruitment process and legal entanglements, the Justice questioned why counselling was conducted even after the panel had expired.

Court’s Order and Next Hearing

At the end of the hearing, Justice Amrita Sinha gave strict instructions to the SSC. Before the next hearing, the Commission must submit two specific lists to the court:

1. Full details of candidates who were given appointment letters after the expiry of the panel.
2. Details of candidates who have OMR issues and those who got jobs through rank jumping.

The next hearing of the case is scheduled for December 10. The Justice’s written order states that the “Fate of the candidates depends on this writ petition.” Although some candidates are currently working under the “Not specially found to be tainted” category as per Supreme Court orders, the situation may change based on the upcoming court verdict.