Kolkata, November 10, 2025: The path is now clear for the release of former West Bengal education minister Partha Chatterjee, who has been in judicial custody since 2022 in connection with the school recruitment irregularities case. This development comes after the completion of the examination of eight witnesses in the special court here on Monday.

Background of the Case

The case against Chatterjee, investigated by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), pertains to alleged irregularities in the recruitment of teachers for classes 9 to 12, as well as Group C employees in West Bengal government-run and aided schools. The scandal, often referred to in media as the “school jobs case,” has implicated several senior officials and has been under judicial scrutiny for several years.

Chatterjee, a senior leader of the Trinamool Congress (TMC), was initially arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in July 2022 in connection with separate financial irregularities. Later, in October 2024, the CBI took him into custody for the school jobs case. Over the past three years, Chatterjee has remained in jail, with periodic bail pleas being considered by various courts.

Supreme Court Bail Order

On August 18, 2025, the Supreme Court granted bail to Chatterjee in the case but stipulated that he would be released only after the trial court recorded statements of all material witnesses. The apex court had emphasized that Chatterjee had already spent nearly three years in custody, and his continued detention without completion of witness examination would constitute a “travesty of justice.”

The Supreme Court also directed that the charges under the Prevention of Corruption Act against public servants should be framed within four weeks, with statements of witnesses to be recorded within two months. These directions were aimed at ensuring that the judicial process moved forward without unnecessary delays while safeguarding the rights of the accused.

Completion of Witness Examination

On Monday, the special court in Kolkata completed the examination of eight material witnesses in the case. Following this, Chatterjee’s lawyers submitted a petition seeking the release of the former minister on bail.

“With the examination of witnesses now completed, we pray that the court direct the execution of the bail bond and release my client,” Chatterjee’s lawyer told the court.

The trial court will now execute the bail bond order, after which Chatterjee, currently admitted to a hospital, is expected to be released shortly.

Other Accused in the Case

The case also names several other senior officials in the West Bengal School Service Commission (SSC) as accused. Among them are:

• Subires Bhattacharya, former SSC chairman
• S.P. Sinha, former chairman of SSC’s advisory committee

All these individuals are accused of involvement in irregularities and procedural lapses in the recruitment processthat allegedly favoured certain candidates for teaching positions and other school service roles.

Previous Legal Developments

Partha Chatterjee has also been involved in other cases filed by central investigating agencies, including the ED and CBI, and has previously been granted bail in those matters. His release in the school jobs case marks a significant legal development, potentially allowing him to temporarily return to public life while the trial continues.

Judicial and Public Significance

Legal observers note that Chatterjee’s potential release after more than three years in custody reflects the Supreme Court’s approach of balancing the rights of the accused with the need for a fair and timely investigation. It also underscores the judiciary’s concern over delays in trial proceedings in high-profile corruption cases.

The court’s insistence on recording all material witnesses before bail highlights the principle that justice must be evidence-driven, while also preventing unnecessary prolongation of pre-trial detention.

As the trial proceeds, the case is expected to continue drawing attention, not only because of Chatterjee’s political stature but also due to the broader implications for transparency and accountability in government-run recruitment processes in West Bengal.

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