Kolkata: The Calcutta High Court on Monday raised serious questions about the West Bengal government's decision to provide monthly allowances to over 26,000 Group C and Group D school staff whose jobs were scrapped following a Supreme Court order, putting immediate disbursements on hold.
Justice Amrita Sinha, hearing a petition challenging the state's 'West Bengal Livelihood and Social Security Interim Scheme, 2025', directed the state not to release any funds under the scheme for now. The scheme promised ₹25,000 per month to Group C staff and ₹20,000 to Group D staff affected by the mass dismissal.
"What is the tearing hurry?" Justice Sinha questioned the state government. She demanded to know why the allowances were announced "in haste" without any discussion or scrutiny after the Supreme Court's verdict cancelling the appointments. The court specifically asked the state to explain:
1. The basis for fixing the allowance amounts at ₹20,000 and ₹25,000.
2. The exact number of employees who would receive this allowance.
3. Instances of similar financial aid being granted by the state in the past.
4. Whether beneficiaries would receive the money "sitting at home" or by performing some work.
Advocate General Kishore Datta, representing the state, clarified that the scheme details, including the source of funds (from a "special head"), were part of the framework and that the money was "earmarked."
However, the petitioner's lawyer, Bikash Ranjan Bhattacharya, argued vehemently against the scheme. He alleged the state was "supporting corruption" by granting these allowances and had acted "beyond its jurisdiction." Bhattacharya pointed out that the Supreme Court had granted only limited, temporary relief to *teachers* affected by the dismissal order, and no concessions whatsoever for Group C or D staff. He questioned the state's authority to enact a scheme that deliberately "disregarded" directives from the Supreme Court or High Court.
Justice Sinha, after hearing both sides, deferred the judgment and scheduled the next hearing for Thursday. She expressed concern over the potential for endless litigation, asking, "Will they keep getting money while one review petition after another is filed in the Supreme Court?"
Background: The allowance scheme was announced by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee following protests triggered by the Supreme Court-ordered dismissal of nearly 26,000 teachers and non-teaching staff in state-sponsored schools.
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