The Supreme Court has postponed the hearing of former West Bengal Education Minister and current MLA, Partha Chatterjee’s bail plea, who is currently embroiled in a high-profile money laundering case. The case pertains to alleged recruitment irregularities in a cash-for-jobs scheme within the West Bengal School Service Commission (SSC). The decision to adjourn was made by Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan.
During the session, Chatterjee’s legal team, led by Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi, submitted an affidavit detailing his custody status in related cases. Rohatgi emphasized that Chatterjee has been incarcerated for nearly 2.5 years, and pointed out the complexity of the trial which involves examining 183 witnesses. He also highlighted Chatterjee’s age, 73, as a consideration for his bail request.
Opposing the bail plea, Additional Solicitor General SV Raju, representing the Enforcement Directorate (ED), argued against Chatterjee’s release citing the serious nature of the allegations against him, which include the seizure of substantial amounts of cash. The Supreme Court, acknowledging the gravity of the case, requested an update on the current status of the investigation and the progress of the trial.
The court noted the low conviction rates typically seen in money laundering cases and pointed out that Chatterjee is also under judicial custody in another case being investigated by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
Partha Chatterjee was arrested in July 2022 by the ED and has since been detained at the Presidency Correctional Home. Following his arrest, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) suspended him from the party, stripping him of all party positions. This action was taken amidst growing concerns over the alleged recruitment scam involving the illegal appointments of Group ‘C’ and ‘D’ staff, as well as teaching staff.
The Calcutta High Court has also directed the CBI to probe the broader recruitment scam, while the ED continues its investigation under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA).
