Mamata welcomes SC order extending services of untainted terminated teachers, teachers express dissatisfaction

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee

As the Supreme Court on Thursday extended the services of terminated teachers found untainted, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee welcomed the order stating that there was now a “sense of relief”.

In a major relief to the West Bengal government, the apex court extended the services of terminated school teachers, who were found to be untainted in the recruitment process probed by the CBI, till December 31.

A Bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar considered West Bengal’s submissions that the terminations adversely impacted teaching in various state-run and aided schools. The order came on the pleas of the State Government, which moved court after the April 3 verdict.

The Supreme Court on April 3 upheld the Calcutta High Court’s ruling that annulled over 25,000 appointments of teachers and non-teaching staff made by the West Bengal School Service Commission (WBSSC), stating that the entire selection process had been “vitiated and tainted” beyond resolution.

Fresh recruitment

On Thursday, The apex court also took note of the State government saying fresh recruitment would take time.

Several districts in Bengal witnessed widespread protests as a section of teachers and non-teaching staffers rendered unemployed post the Supreme Court verdict.

Taking note of the submissions, the Supreme Court said it will grant extension of service to untainted teachers only but it won’t apply to Grade C and D employees of the government run and aided schools.

“We are happy with the Supreme Court order. There is a sense of relief with the court order. I would request the teachers not to worry, the issue will be resolved,” Banerjee told reporters in Kolkata.

The untainted teachers, whose services were temporarily extended by the Supreme Court, however, expressed dissatisfaction over what they termed as a “short-term relief.” They asserted that only permanent reinstatement would bring them justice.

Published on April 17, 2025