The Supreme Court has issued a notice regarding the bail plea of former West Bengal Education Minister Partha Chatterjee in connection with the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the state’s cash-for-jobs scam.
Chatterjee, currently a Member of the West Bengal Legislative Assembly, is challenging two decisions from the Calcutta High Court that denied him bail. A split verdict was initially delivered on his plea, but a subsequent ruling rejected his request, citing his deep political ties and the state’s reluctance to approve prosecution against him.
This case traces back to alleged irregularities in the recruitment of primary school teachers, assistant teachers, and other staff under Chatterjee’s tenure. Unsuccessful candidates challenged the hiring process, leading to a CBI investigation. The agency filed charges under multiple sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act and the Indian Penal Code, alleging widespread malpractice.
Meanwhile, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) launched a parallel probe into money laundering, uncovering massive sums of cash and gold from Chatterjee’s properties and associates. Raids yielded over ₹49.80 crore in cash and significant quantities of gold, reportedly linked to shell companies under his influence.
Chatterjee was arrested in July 2022, and his bail pleas have been repeatedly rejected by both the trial and high courts. The Supreme Court’s notice signals a new development in the legal battle surrounding one of West Bengal’s most high-profile corruption cases.