In a significant turn of events, the Supreme Court on Tuesday reversed a portion of the Calcutta High Court’s ruling that called for a CBI investigation into the creation of supernumerary posts in state-run and aided schools by the West Bengal cabinet.
While the apex court set aside the directive for a CBI probe specifically into the supernumerary posts, it affirmed that the ongoing investigation into other allegations surrounding the appointment of 25,753 teachers and staffers in these institutions should proceed.
The term “supernumerary post” is used to describe a temporary position established to accommodate employees who are due to occupy regular posts that are not currently available. The creation of such posts has been a subject of scrutiny, with allegations suggesting procedural and legal discrepancies.
The decision came from a bench led by Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar, who also invalidated the appointment of the 25,753 teachers and staff members. The bench characterized the entire selection process as “vitiated and tainted,” highlighting serious flaws in the appointment procedures.
This ruling delineates the boundaries of the ongoing CBI investigation, ensuring that while the probe into the appointments continues, the specific aspect of creating supernumerary posts will no longer be under scrutiny by the CBI as per the Calcutta High Court’s earlier judgment.
The Supreme Court’s decision underscores the complexity of administrative and legal issues surrounding government appointments and highlights the judiciary’s role in addressing alleged abuses in such processes.
