West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has ignited a fierce political and legal debate by openly opposing the Supreme Court’s verdict that ordered the cancellation of over 25,000 school teaching jobs. These positions, allegedly obtained through irregularities in the West Bengal School Service Commission (WBSSC) recruitment process, have now left thousands of individuals jobless.
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Banerjee’s emotional reaction during a meeting with the dismissed teachers on Monday has not only drawn sympathy from some quarters but also provoked sharp political backlash from the opposition and legal experts.
“I May Be Jailed for Saying This” – Mamata’s Bold Stand
“I do not accept the verdict. I can even be jailed for saying this, but I must stand by these teachers,” Mamata Banerjee said in a defiant tone while addressing the dismissed educators.
- She met nearly 100 teachers who lost their jobs following the Supreme Court’s ruling.
- Many had been working in government schools since 2016.
- Banerjee asserted that the teachers had been made scapegoats despite their qualifications and years of service.
Her declaration – “Not while I’m alive” – against enforcing the job termination has become a rallying cry, sparking both admiration and criticism.
Supreme Court Verdict and Its Aftermath
The Supreme Court recently upheld a Calcutta High Court verdict, declaring the 2016 WBSSC recruitment process flawed and corrupt. The apex court cited large-scale discrepancies, tampered OMR sheets, and procedural violations.
Key Points of the Verdict:
- Over 25,000 jobs cancelled
- Fresh merit list ordered
- Candidates with legitimate marks to be considered again
- A Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the recruitment scam is underway
Teachers Respond: “We’ve Been Given Lollipops”
During her meeting, Banerjee assured financial compensation or alternative job placements for the affected teachers, but many expressed dissatisfaction.
“We are being handed lollipops. We don’t want sympathy; we want justice,” said one of the teachers, as quoted by the media.
The emotional outburst has triggered a wave of public sympathy, especially among those who had resigned from private jobs or relocated for teaching positions.
Political Reactions: BJP Stages Protest
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) launched a protest march to Mamata Banerjee’s residence, accusing the state government of orchestrating the scam in the first place. BJP leaders argued that the Chief Minister’s defiance of the Supreme Court amounts to disrespecting the judiciary.
BJP’s Allegations:
- Mamata is politicizing a judicial issue
- Attempts to shield corrupt officials
- Misleading dismissed candidates with false promises
- Undermining the constitutional framework
State BJP president Sukanta Majumdar said, “Instead of delivering justice, she’s playing vote bank politics.”
Legal Experts Raise Eyebrows
Banerjee’s public disapproval of a Supreme Court order has raised serious concerns in legal circles. Constitutional experts argue that while she may empathize with affected candidates, publicly challenging the judiciary can set a dangerous precedent.
Senior advocate Kaushik Gupta told local media, “An elected CM must respect the constitutional supremacy of the Supreme Court. Defiance, even in words, can be construed as contempt.”
What the State Government Is Planning Next
Despite her strong words, Banerjee clarified she is legally bound by the apex court’s decision and will not violate the law.
Government’s Proposed Measures:
- Exploring legal remedies to protect affected teachers
- Offering financial assistance
- Considering contractual roles or fresh appointments based on merit
- Supporting retraining or relocation for displaced candidates
Education Minister Bratya Basu confirmed that the state is reviewing possible interventions within legal boundaries to minimize the impact on teachers and students alike.
Emotional Toll and Social Media Outcry
Social media has erupted with both sympathy and scorn. Hashtags like #JusticeForTeachers and #MamataVsJudiciary are trending on X (formerly Twitter). Netizens have shared stories of teachers who lost jobs after serving for 7–8 years.
Students, parents, and civil society members have also joined the debate, questioning whether due process should override humanitarian considerations in such complex cases.
Moving Forward
The WBSSC scam continues to shake the foundations of West Bengal’s education system and governance. While Mamata Banerjee’s emotional outburst may win hearts, it has also raised profound questions about political accountability, judicial supremacy, and the future of thousands of educators.
As the political heat rises, all eyes are now on the next legal steps and whether relief can be provided to those caught in the crossfire of corruption and compliance.
By – Nikita
