Supreme Justice Prevails: SC Rejects Review Pleas in Monumental West Bengal SSC Scam, Upholding Mass Job Cancellations

In a powerful affirmation of justice and accountability, the Supreme Court of India has resoundingly rejected all pleas seeking a review of its landmark verdict that cancelled 25,753 appointments made through the contentious 2016 West Bengal School Service Commission (SSC) recruitment process. This decisive move by the apex court, announced on Friday, brings a definitive close to a chapter marked by widespread irregularities and deep-seated corruption, upholding its stringent April 26 judgment.

The initial verdict, which sent shockwaves across the state, had nullified every single appointment made in the 2016 recruitment drive for teachers and non-teaching staff.

The Supreme Court had minced no words in describing the scale of the scam, highlighting the "deep-seated" nature of the corruption. A significant revelation was the illegal creation of supernumerary posts specifically designed to accommodate appointees who had entered the service through illicit means, circumventing legitimate procedures and merit.

Beyond the annulment of jobs, the Supreme Court's original directive mandated a thorough investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

The agency was tasked with continuing its probe into the irregularities and submitting a comprehensive report within three months. This sustained judicial oversight underscores the gravity of the corruption and the imperative for uncovering all facets of the malpractice.

A particularly harsh consequence for those deemed to have benefited from the illegal appointments is the recovery of salaries.

The court had ordered the recovery of salaries paid to these individuals for a staggering 49 months, along with an annual interest of 12%. This unprecedented financial recovery directive serves as a stark message against fraudulent entry into public service.

The origins of this judicial intervention lie with the Calcutta High Court, which had initially passed a similar verdict on April 22, cancelling the appointments.

While the Supreme Court largely upheld the High Court's findings, it did modify some aspects, ensuring a broader and more comprehensive annulment that left no room for ambiguity. Key evidence of the fraud included the tampering of over 24,000 OMR (Optical Mark Recognition) sheets, a blatant manipulation that undermined the integrity of the examination process.

The West Bengal SSC scam has cast a long shadow over the state's public education system, exposing a nexus of corruption that defrauded thousands of deserving candidates.

The Supreme Court's unwavering stance in rejecting these review petitions solidifies its commitment to ensuring fairness, transparency, and meritocracy in public recruitment. This ruling stands as a powerful testament to the judiciary's role in upholding the rule of law and delivering justice, even in the face of widespread and complex corruption.