Calcutta High Court Exposes 'Unexplainable Favoritism' in 14-Year-Old Bengal Government Staffer Case
In a dramatic turn of events, the Calcutta High Court has overturned a 14-year-old case involving a sacked Bengal government staffer seeking reinstatement. The court has granted the current government the freedom to investigate what Justice Rai Chattopadhyay termed "unexplainable favoritism" towards the petitioner by a former Left Front minister in 2010.
Judge Condemns 'Lawlessness' in Minister's Actions
Justice Rai Chattopadhyay delivered a scathing rebuke on Tuesday, questioning the actions of the former education minister. "What can be a greater example of lawlessness?" the judge remarked, referring to petitioner Tithi Adhikary being accommodated in the minister's office despite her services being terminated earlier on charges of dereliction of duty.
The judge elaborated: "The minister's order to engage her in his office with remuneration to be disbursed from funds meant for public good amounts to improper exercise of power." This statement underscores the severity of the alleged misconduct, highlighting a misuse of public resources.
Background of the Case: From Contractual Appointment to Dismissal
Tithi Adhikary was originally appointed as a contractual Group C staffer under the Sarba Shiksha Mission in Howrah in 2007. She worked in this capacity for three years before being put on notice for allegedly failing to perform her job of rectifying education data. When authorities decided not to renew her contract, she challenged the decision and was subsequently appointed again, this time in the office of former minister Partha De.
Adhikary continued working until 2012, when she was dismissed "verbally" by the then Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to the minister on August 21 of that year. This informal dismissal has been a point of contention in the long-running legal battle.
Court Rejects Reinstatement Plea, Orders Investigation
Rejecting Adhikary's plea for reinstatement, Justice Chattopadhyay ruled that the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government "may, exercising its own discretion," initiate proceedings to unearth the truth and fix liability for her illegal appointment. This decision shifts the focus from reinstatement to accountability, potentially exposing deeper irregularities in the case.
The court's ruling emphasizes the need for transparency and proper governance, setting a precedent for handling similar cases of alleged favoritism in government appointments. It also raises questions about the integrity of past administrative decisions under the Left Front regime.
This case highlights ongoing issues in Bengal's bureaucratic processes and serves as a reminder of the judiciary's role in checking executive overreach. The investigation ordered by the court could lead to significant repercussions for those involved in the alleged misconduct.
