In a significant development, the Calcutta High Court on Friday issued an interim order restraining the West Bengal government from implementing a proposed relief scheme aimed at providing financial assistance to non-teaching staff who recently lost their jobs following a Supreme Court ruling that declared the 2016 recruitment process tainted.
The decision came after a bench led by Justice Amrita Sinha heard petitions challenging the legality and rationale behind the state government’s scheme, which promised a one-time financial support of ₹25,000 to Group C employees and ₹20,000 to Group D employees.
These employees were dismissed after the apex court found grave irregularities in their recruitment conducted by the West Bengal School Service Commission (WBSSC).
The High Court had reserved its judgment on the matter on June 9, after hearing arguments from both sides. In her interim directive, Justice Sinha ordered that no further steps be taken by the state government to implement or expand the scheme until September 26, or until further orders are issued—whichever comes first.
Court Asks State to Respond, Sets Timelines for Filings
As part of the ongoing legal process, the court has now directed the West Bengal government to submit its affidavit in opposition to the contentions raised by the petitioners within four weeks. The petitioners, who have contested the disbursal of funds to individuals removed on grounds of illegality, have been given two weeks thereafter to file their reply.
Background: Humanitarian Scheme Introduced After SC Verdict
In response to the massive fallout from the Supreme Court’s order, which resulted in the termination of nearly 26,000 teaching and non-teaching staff from state-aided and state-sponsored schools, the Trinamool Congress (TMC)-led government in West Bengal had unveiled a relief package.
The government described the initiative as a measure to provide “limited livelihood support and social security on humanitarian grounds”, stressing that it was temporary and subject to judicial review.
The scheme was meant to assist the distressed families of the dismissed Group C and Group D non-teaching staff, many of whom have been left without employment or any source of income following the court’s verdict.
Political Reactions and Legal Implications
The decision by the Calcutta High Court has stirred political tensions in the state. The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has strongly criticized the opposition for what it calls “targeted efforts to block relief for innocent citizens.” The ruling party has pledged to explore all legal options to reinstate the scheme or provide alternative support to those affected.
Opposition parties, on the other hand, argue that public funds should not be used to compensate individuals whose appointments were deemed illegal by the country’s highest court, and have accused the state government of attempting to circumvent judicial authority through backdoor measures.
What Lies Ahead
As the case progresses, the legality of providing ex gratia relief to employees dismissed for being recruited through a flawed and corrupt process will come under judicial scrutiny. The outcome could set a precedent for similar cases across India, where questions of administrative accountability and humanitarian relief often intersect in complex ways.
Until then, the affected staff and their families face a prolonged period of uncertainty, caught between a court verdict that nullified their employment and a government struggling to offer assistance in a legally sustainable manner.