SSC Job Allowance: Today, Friday, the fate of the allowance for the terminated West Bengal SSC Group C and Group D employees is set to be decided in the Calcutta High Court. The verdict in this crucial case is expected to be announced at 10:30 AM in the single bench of Justice Amrita Sinha. This judgment is considered highly significant following a petition that challenged the state government’s decision to provide financial aid.
Background of the Case
The issue began after the Supreme Court ordered the cancellation of nearly 26,000 jobs from the 2016 SSC panel. Following this, the state government, citing humanitarian grounds, decided to provide financial assistance to those who lost their jobs. The government announced a monthly allowance of ₹25,000 for Group C employees and ₹20,000 for Group D employees.
However, this decision by the state government was challenged in the Calcutta High Court. Advocate Gopa Biswas’s primary argument was that the state’s move contradicted the Supreme Court’s ruling. The main question raised in the petition was: how can the state provide an allowance to individuals whose appointments were nullified by the apex court?
High Court’s Observations and Hearing
During the previous hearing, Justice Amrita Sinha raised several questions about the rationale behind the state government’s decision. She inquired about the basis on which the allowance amounts of ₹25,000 and ₹20,000 for Group C and Group D employees, respectively, were determined. Was there any specific criterion or survey behind this calculation?
The court also questioned the urgency behind the decision to grant this allowance immediately after the Supreme Court’s verdict. It observed a lack of proper discussion or review in the process. State Advocate General Kishore Dutta presented arguments on behalf of the state, but the court did not appear to be fully satisfied with the justification provided.
Potential Outcomes in Today’s Verdict:
- Will the allowance be continued? – The court could either uphold the state government’s decision or nullify it completely.
- Will the allowance amount be revised? – Since the court questioned the specific amounts, the verdict might include directives to change the allowance figures.
- Will there be any conditions? – If the allowance is allowed to continue, the court might impose certain conditions.
The entire state is now watching the High Court. For the terminated employees, this allowance was a significant source of financial support. Today’s verdict will have a profound impact on their future and on the state government’s decision. The final picture will become clear only after Justice Sinha announces the verdict at 10:30 AM.
