Calcutta High Court Orders SSC to Publish Fresh List of Tainted School Job Candidates in Recruitment Scam
Court rejects incomplete SSC list, demands transparency in identifying tainted candidates
Move aims to prevent irregular appointees from entering fresh recruitment process
By Our Legal Correspondent
New Delhi: January 8, 2026:
In a major development in the West Bengal school jobs scam, the Calcutta High Court has directed the West Bengal School Service Commission (WBSSC) to publish a fresh list of tainted candidates whose appointments were invalidated by the Supreme Court last year.
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Justice Amrita Sinha rejected the earlier list of 1,806 names released by the SSC, saying it lacked crucial details such as the category of irregularity, school name, and district information. The Court stressed that transparency is essential to ensure that tainted candidates do not re-enter the system through the ongoing recruitment process.
Case Background
- In 2016, the WBSSC conducted the State Level Selection Test (SLST) for recruitment of secondary and higher secondary teachers.
- Allegations of massive irregularities surfaced, including manipulation of OMR sheets, rank-jumping, and illegal appointments.
- In April 2025, the Supreme Court invalidated 25,753 appointments, calling them tainted.
- The SSC later published a list of 1,806 candidates identified as tainted, but the High Court found it incomplete.
- The Court has now ordered the SSC to submit a revised list by February 11, 2026.
Court’s Observations
Justice Amrita Sinha noted:
- The SSC’s list disclosed names, roll numbers, and subjects but did not explain why each candidate was tainted.
- Categories such as rank-jumping, OMR sheet manipulation, or illegal recommendation must be clearly mentioned.
- Without detailed information, the list cannot serve its purpose of preventing irregular candidates from participating in fresh recruitment.
- The SSC must ensure complete transparency in its revised report.
Wider Implications
- For Candidates: Genuine aspirants will benefit as tainted candidates are excluded from the recruitment process.
- For SSC: The Commission faces pressure to maintain credibility and restore public trust.
- For Education System: Ensures that only qualified teachers enter schools, improving quality of education.
- For Judiciary: Reinforces the role of courts in ensuring accountability in public recruitment.
Expert Opinions
- Legal experts say the ruling strengthens judicial oversight in recruitment scams.
- Education activists believe the move will protect students from unqualified teachers.
- Policy analysts note that the case highlights the need for reforms in recruitment transparency and digital monitoring.
Conclusion
The Calcutta High Court’s directive to the WBSSC marks a turning point in the West Bengal school jobs scam. By demanding a fresh, detailed list of tainted candidates, the Court has ensured that transparency, accountability, and fairness remain central to the recruitment process.
This ruling will not only impact thousands of candidates but also shape the future of teacher recruitment in West Bengal, setting a precedent for other states facing similar challenges.
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