TET Mandatory? Two Mega Hearings in Supreme Court Today! Fate of Teachers to be Decided in 48 Cases

Teacher Case: Today, two critically important cases are listed for hearing in the Supreme Court of India, which could have far-reaching implications for teachers in West Bengal and the education system nationwide. Both cases have been listed in Court No. 9 before the bench of Justice Dipankar Datta and Hon’ble Justice Augustine George Masih. The bench is scheduled to convene at 10:30 AM. One case pertains to making the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) mandatory for all teachers, while the other will determine the future of numerous teachers from West Bengal, particularly from Madrasas.

Hearing of 48 Cases: Deciding the Future of Teachers

The case concerning the future of numerous teachers is listed at serial number 19 under ‘Notice for Admission Civil Cases’. As many as 47 other cases are connected to this main matter, bringing the total number of cases to be heard together to 48. The primary cases in this bunch include Najma Khatun vs. The State of West Bengal and Meer Mashraf Hossain vs. The Director of Madrasa Education.

Background of the Madrasa Teachers’ Struggle

This legal battle involves a long and arduous struggle by many Madrasa teachers in West Bengal. According to the information available, these teachers were initially engaged on a contractual basis. After serving diligently for a long period, spanning 10 to 12 years, they appealed for the permanency of their posts. However, instead of considering their request, the managing committee issued notifications to terminate their services. The teachers challenged this decision first in a single bench and later in a division bench of the Calcutta High Court, but unfortunately, the verdict went against them in both instances. Finally, seeking justice, they have approached the Supreme Court. Today marks a crucial day in their prolonged fight.

Scheduled Time for Hearing

Considering the significance and the large number of connected matters, the justices have allocated a specific time for this hearing. As per the schedule, the hearing for these 48 cases will commence at 2:00 PM. The entire teaching community in West Bengal is anxiously awaiting the outcome of this hearing.

Case on Mandatory TET Listed

Alongside the teachers’ job security case, another significant matter listed for today is regarding the mandatory implementation of the TET (Teacher Eligibility Test). This case, titled The State of Tripura vs. Fajldev, is listed at serial number 20 in the cause list. This case, filed by the Tripura state government, has made its way to the Supreme Court. Interestingly, this case has also been listed before the bench of Justice Dipankar Datta. Although he had previously released all TET-related matters to the Chief Justice, the case has been listed in his court for today’s hearing. It is expected that the hearing for this mandatory TET case will be completed before the teachers’ future case begins at 2:00 PM.

The judgments in these two cases will directly impact the education landscape of West Bengal and the careers of thousands of teachers. Therefore, today is undoubtedly a day of immense significance.