Kolkata, July 10, 2025 — In a significant turn of events that may reshape the future of school teacher recruitment in West Bengal, the ongoing WBSSC SLST 2025 recruitment drive has been hit by a fresh legal challenge. The Calcutta High Court has ruled that candidates previously implicated in the controversial ‘WBSSC 2016 recruitment scam’ will not be allowed to reapply under the current selection process.
The verdict, delivered on July 7 by Justice Saugata Bhattacharyya, comes just days before the application window closes on July 14, sparking widespread debate across both legal and education circles. The court cited the Supreme Court’s earlier directive that had invalidated the appointments of “tainted” candidates, stating that allowing their reentry would undermine the fairness and integrity of the current recruitment process.
According to the order, individuals previously disqualified due to fraudulent appointments or irregularities in 2016 cannot be permitted to apply for teaching posts in government-aided schools through the ongoing SLST 2025 cycle. The decision is being seen as a major step toward restoring public trust in the school service recruitment system—yet it has also triggered backlash from a section of the affected candidates and the state administration.
What is WBSSC SLST 2025?
The Second State Level Selection Test (SLST 2025), announced by the West Bengal School Service Commission (WBSSC) in May 2025, marks the commission’s most ambitious recruitment effort in nearly a decade. Following years of uncertainty and legal setbacks, this drive aims to fill a total of 35,726 Assistant Teacher positions in secondary and higher secondary government-aided schools across the state.
This massive recruitment push is seen as a long-overdue move to address teacher shortages and revive confidence in the selection process after the tainted 2016 cycle. The application portal officially opened on June 16, 2025, and will remain active until July 14, 2025, through the commission’s website at westbengalssc.com.
The vacancies span a wide range of subjects and categories, with selections to be made through a multi-stage process including a written exam, interview, and document verification. For many aspiring educators across Bengal, SLST 2025 is more than just a job opportunity — it’s a second chance at a career put on hold for too long.
Court’s Stand on Tainted Candidates
In its strongly worded ruling, Justice Saugata Bhattacharyya directly confronted the lingering fallout of the WBSSC SLST 2016 scam, which had shaken the state’s education recruitment system. That earlier selection process had been marred by widespread irregularities, bribery allegations, and political interference — ultimately leading to the cancellation of thousands of teaching appointments.
The court, drawing upon the Supreme Court’s prior directives, made it clear that any attempt to allow previously disqualified individuals to reenter the system would not only undermine the recruitment process but also erode public faith in judicial accountability.
“Those declared ineligible through judicial orders in 2016 shall remain disqualified from participating in SLST 2025,” the judgment stated unequivocally.
Justice Bhattacharyya further emphasized that the state cannot allow a repeat of past injustices under the guise of fresh opportunities. The ruling, while welcomed by many aspiring first-time candidates, has reopened old wounds for thousands who lost their jobs due to the 2016 scam — and are now barred from even applying again.
State Government Pushes Back with Legal Appeal
The High Court’s decision has not gone unchallenged. Just two days after the verdict, the West Bengal government and the WBSSC jointly moved a legal appeal before a division bench of the Calcutta High Court, seeking to overturn the ruling that bars previously disqualified candidates.
In their appeal, the state and commission argued that enforcing a blanket ban on candidates linked to the 2016 recruitment irregularities could amount to “double jeopardy” — punishing individuals twice for the same offence. They also invoked Article 16 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees equal access to public employment, claiming that not every candidate terminated in 2016 was guilty of wrongdoing.
“Many of these individuals were unaware of the procedural lapses and served sincerely in their roles. Denying them the right to reapply violates their constitutional rights,” the commission’s counsel argued before the bench of Justices Debangshu Basak and Shampa Dutt Paul.
The division bench has taken note of the petition and agreed to hear the matter on an urgent basis. However, as of now, no stay has been granted on the earlier order — which means the disqualification of tainted candidates remains in effect.
This legal tug-of-war has added a new layer of uncertainty to the recruitment drive, with thousands of aspirants anxiously awaiting clarity — especially as the July 14 deadline approaches and no stay has been granted yet
Public and Legal Reactions Stir Heated Debate
The Calcutta High Court’s order to bar candidates involved in the 2016 WBSSC recruitment scandal has triggered a wave of legal and public response — particularly as the July 14 application deadline approaches.
On the legal front, the West Bengal government and WBSSC have pushed back hard. In their appeal before a division bench, they argued that excluding previously disqualified candidates amounts to “double jeopardy” — punishing them twice for the same issue.
“There cannot be two punishments for the same crime,” said WBSSC lawyer Kalyan Banerjee, adding that some of these candidates had served in schools for years and deserve a second chance.
“There cannot be two punishments for the same crime,” argued Kalyan Banerjee, senior advocate and TMC MP, appearing on behalf of the SSC before the Calcutta High Court’s division bench, as he opposed the order barring tainted candidates from applying to WBSSC SLST 2025. (Source: Times of India)
Advocate General Kishore Datta, appearing for the State, submitted that prohibiting previously disqualified candidates from participating in SLST 2025 would amount to “double punishment” and violate fundamental rights guaranteed under Part III of the Constitution, including Articles 20 and 21.
Source: Calcutta High Court Judgment – Sujoy Kumar Doloi & Anr. v. State of West Bengal & Ors., July 7, 2025. Bar & Bench PDF
Meanwhile, thousands of aspiring and former teachers — including some from reserved and OBC categories — have also moved the court, challenging both their exclusion and the updated qualification criteria under SLST 2025.
These reactions underline the complex emotions and high stakes tied to this year’s recruitment — with the courts now holding the final say in who gets to teach, and who doesn’t.
What Lies Ahead for SLST 2025?
With tensions rising and the application deadline nearing, the fate of the WBSSC SLST 2025 recruitment drive now hinges on the outcome of the ongoing legal challenge. The matter is currently under review by the Calcutta High Court’s division bench, which is expected to hear the appeal in the coming days.
Should the court decide to uphold the earlier order, it may result in the continued disqualification of candidates linked to the 2016 recruitment controversy — a move that could reinforce the legal precedent against irregular appointments and further tighten recruitment norms for state-run schools.
Alternatively, if the bench rules in favor of the petitioners, candidates previously removed or disqualified might be allowed to participate in SLST 2025, potentially expanding the applicant pool and intensifying competition. Such an outcome could also reopen public debate around fairness, rehabilitation, and equal opportunity in public employment.
Until the court delivers its decision, the SLST 2025 process remains active but clouded by legal uncertainty, with thousands of aspirants and stakeholders closely watching how the situation unfolds.
SLST 2025 Carries On Amid Legal Scrutiny
While the court proceedings continue in parallel, the West Bengal School Service Commission (WBSSC) has made no changes to its recruitment timeline as of now. The application portal for SLST 2025 remains open, and the commission appears to be proceeding with the selection process as scheduled.
As per the official notification, the written examination is tentatively scheduled for September 2025, followed by result publication and interview rounds before the end of the year. However, any significant ruling from the court may potentially impact the process in unforeseen ways.
1. What did the Calcutta High Court rule regarding WBSSC SLST 2025?
The Calcutta High Court ruled that candidates previously disqualified due to their involvement in the WBSSC 2016 recruitment scam are not eligible to reapply in the ongoing SLST 2025 selection process.
2. Who delivered the verdict on the disqualification of tainted candidates?
Justice Saugata Bhattacharyya of the Calcutta High Court delivered the judgment on July 7, 2025, reinforcing the exclusion of tainted candidates from the SLST 2025 recruitment cycle.
3. Why are 2016 tainted candidates barred from SLST 2025?
The court observed that allowing previously disqualified candidates would compromise the integrity of the current recruitment and violate previous Supreme Court orders on fair selection processes.
4. What is the total number of teaching vacancies under WBSSC SLST 2025?
WBSSC SLST 2025 aims to recruit 35,726 Assistant Teachers across secondary and higher secondary government-aided schools in West Bengal.
5. What is the last date to apply for WBSSC SLST 2025?
The last date to apply for SLST 2025 is July 14, 2025, until 5:00 PM as per the official notification.
6. Has the Calcutta High Court granted any stay on its disqualification order?
No, the division bench has not granted a stay, so the disqualification order passed by the single bench remains in effect.
7. What arguments has the state government made in defense of disqualified candidates?
The West Bengal government and WBSSC have argued that banning all 2016 candidates constitutes “double punishment” and violates fundamental rights under Articles 16, 20, and 21 of the Constitution.
8. Is there a chance that disqualified candidates might be allowed to apply later?
Yes. If the division bench overturns the single bench order during the appeal process, disqualified candidates may regain eligibility for SLST 2025.
9. When is the WBSSC SLST 2025 exam expected to be held?
The written examination is tentatively scheduled for September 2025, followed by results and interviews before the end of the year.
10. Where can I apply or get official updates on SLST 2025?
Interested candidates can apply and receive updates on the official WBSSC website at westbengalssc.com or follow en.bangaakhbar.in for timely news coverage.
is a seasoned editor and media professional with a deep commitment to journalistic integrity and public-interest reporting. With a focus on government policy, social equity, and education, he leads The Banga Enquires in delivering fact-checked, context-rich news for a discerning readership. Known for his editorial clarity and attention to linguistic precision, Ali champions high-quality, inclusive journalism that informs, engages, and empowers.
