Calcutta HC invalidates 2016 recruitment test for West Bengal govt-aided schools

THE JHARKHAND STORY DESK

Kolkata, April 22: The Calcutta High Court on Monday invalidated the selection process of the State Level Selection Test-2016 (SLST) in West Bengal government-funded and supported schools, mandating the annulment of all appointments made through this process.

A division bench of judges consisting of justices Debangsu Basak and Md Shabbar Rashidi instructed the CBI to conduct additional investigation regarding the appointment procedure and provide a report within three months.

The West Bengal School Service Commission was ordered by the bench to start a new appointment process.

Also Read- Jharkhand News: Palamu police readies to ensure smooth traffic on nomination day in Daltonganj

In the proceedings, the bench also stated that teachers hired unlawfully (via blank OMR sheets) must return their salaries within four weeks. The responsibility of collecting these funds from the teachers lies with the district magistrate.

For 24,640 vacant positions, more than 23 lakh applicants took the 2016 SLST.

The High Court concluded the hearing in the case on March 20 and the division bench reserved judgment. The CBI was investigating the case based on a previous court order. In 2022, the federal agency arrested former Bengal Education Minister Partha Chatterjee for his suspected involvement in the scam.