Matters pertaining to the West Bengal recruitment scam are keeping the Calcutta High Court busy even during summer vacation. On May 22, a Vacation Bench of the court declined to issue an interim stay on an investigation by central agencies into the alleged scam in the recruitment of employees to seven municipalities. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate had stumbled upon irregularities in recruitment by municipalities while investigating the alleged scam in school jobs in the State. Justice Abhijit Gangopadhyay, who has been hearing the school recruitment case, had directed an investigation by the central agencies into recruitments to municipalities on April 21.
Ever since the Trinamool Congress came to power for its third consecutive term in 2021, the Calcutta High Court has been buzzing with matters that have dominated the political discourse of the State. From cases relating to the 2021 post-poll violence to the unrest at Bogtui village in March 2022 and the Ram Navami clashes in March-April 2023, the court’s judgments have had far-reaching implications on State politics.
In most of the cases dealing with political violence, killings and sexual assault, the court has ruled against the State government. It has often underlined the necessity for an investigation by central agencies or a special investigation team set up by the court, to restore the people’s faith.
