SSC Panel Expiry: Big Twist in Panel Expiry Case! Will January 13 Bring the Final Verdict? Know Details

SSC Panel Expiry: The legal battle surrounding the West Bengal School Service Commission’s (SSC) ‘Expiry of Panel’ case has reached a critical juncture. Currently being heard in the bench of Justice Amrita Sinha at the Calcutta High Court, this case involves complex legal arguments and new developments that hang over the careers of numerous appointees.

Context and Core Dispute

The crux of the matter lies with candidates appointed during the third counseling phase or later. Allegations suggest that many appointments were made after the official validity of the panels had expired. According to court records, the panel for classes IX-X expired on March 12, 2019, while the panel for classes XI-XII expired on November 27, 2018. The court is scrutinizing the legality of any appointments made after these specific cut-off dates.

However, a significant debate has emerged regarding the nature of these appointments. Is every post-expiry appointment a result of corruption? A section of the appointees argues that they are legitimate candidates who fell victim to the Commission’s procedural delays. Their contention is that if the Commission had conducted counseling on time, they would have been appointed within the valid period. Therefore, they argue, eligible candidates should not be penalized for the administrative failures of the Commission.

New Legal Twist

A significant new development has surfaced with the filing of two new CAN applications in the case of Nababidul Islam and Biplab Sarkar vs. The State of West Bengal. The key arguments presented by the applicants include:

• CBI Investigation Findings: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has already segregated and identified those who secured jobs through OMR sheet manipulation or rank jumping.
• Plea for Separation: The applicants argue that candidates whose only “fault” is being appointed after the panel expiry—without any involvement in corruption—should not be equated with those involved in fraud. They are demanding a clear distinction between candidates appointed due to administrative delays and those who obtained jobs through malpractice.

Current Court Proceedings and Deadlines

The hearings in Justice Amrita Sinha’s courtroom have witnessed immense participation, with the room packed with lawyers and candidates seeking to be added as parties to the case. The court has accepted multiple CAN applications (from CAN 1 to CAN 17), allowing new parties to present their stance.

Strict timelines have been set for the legal proceedings:

• Respondents were directed to file their opposition affidavits by December 23, 2025.
• The deadline for filing replies to these affidavits was set for January 6, 2026.

Upcoming Hearing and Impact

The next hearing is scheduled for January 13, 2026. This date is expected to be pivotal for the case. With the court examining the validity of out-of-panel appointments alongside the pleas of eligible but late-appointed candidates, the upcoming observations by the High Court will be crucial in determining the future of these school jobs.