Calcutta High Court has unequivocally exposed the deep-rooted corruption within the 'School Jobs for Cash' scam, emphasizing the detrimental effects it has had on the social fabric of West Bengal. The court's ruling, which rejects the state government's appeal against a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe, marks a significant step towards holding the perpetrators accountable and bridging the gap between the privileged and the marginalized.

A division bench comprising Justices Tapabrata Chakraborty and Partha Sarathi Chatterjee dismissed the appeal filed by the State, upholding the order issued by Justice Abhijit Gangopadhyay on April 21. Justice Gangopadhyay had rightfully directed the CBI to investigate the scandalous recruitment practices rampant in schools and municipalities, which were allegedly carried out illegally and without adhering to due process.

Highlighting the distressing consequences of this widespread corruption, the court declared, "The menace of corruption has given the undeserving an unfair advantage, exacerbating the societal divide between the haves and the have-nots. This has led to widespread disillusionment and despair among the masses who have been victims of morally bankrupt individuals. Urgent and comprehensive action is imperative to deliver justice to the wronged."

Furthermore, the court acknowledged the presence of government officials and ministers implicated in the scandal, thereby underscoring the magnitude of this reprehensible crime. Corruption not only erodes public faith in public servants and representatives but also inflicts lasting psychological harm on society as a whole. The bench drew attention to the staggering amount of ₹111 crores and valuable gold and jewelry worth ₹5.08 crores that have already been seized and attached during the course of the investigation.

The 'School Jobs for Cash' scam revolves around allegations of illegal recruitment practices concerning teachers and municipal employees. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has been diligently investigating the matter since June 2022, and Justice Abhijit Gangopadhyay had subsequently ordered a CBI inquiry earlier this year based on an application filed by the ED.

The State had challenged the jurisdiction of Justice Gangopadhyay to hear the case, contending that it did not align with the official roster. However, the division bench firmly opined that technicalities should not impede the investigation into such a colossal scam. The court stressed, "The pursuit of justice cannot be thwarted under the guise of jurisdictional arguments. Overly meticulous interpretation should be discouraged."

The bench also referred to a disquieting status report submitted by the ED before Justice Gangopadhyay, which uncovered a larger nefarious scheme devised by the alleged perpetrators to manipulate the recruitment process in various municipalities across the state.

With its resolute observations, the bench dismissed the State's appeal, paving the way for a comprehensive investigation into the corrupt practices that have plagued the education system and local governance.

Senior Advocates Kalyan Bandopadhyay, Jaydip Kar, Sirsanya Bandopadhyay, and Arka Kumar Nag represented the State, while Senior Advocate Bikash Ranjan Bhattacharyya, along with advocates Firdous Samim, Gopa Biswas, Mousumi Hazra, Payel Shome, Purba Mukherjee, and Sampriti Saha, appeared for the complainants. Deputy Solicitor General Dhiraj Trivedi, accompanied by advocate Samrat Goswami, represented the ED, and Deputy Solicitor General Billwadal Bhattacharya, along with advocates Amajit De and Arijit Majumdar, appeared for the CBI.

The Calcutta High Court's resounding decision sets a significant precedent in the fight against corruption, promising justice for the victims of the 'School Jobs for Cash' scam and sending a strong message that no one is above the law.