Tripura HC Seeks Clarification on 10,323 Terminated Teachers’ Appointment

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Tripura terminated teachers case
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The Tripura High Court on Saturday asked the state government to provide a detailed legal explanation on the appointment of 10,323 terminated teachers. The case, which has become a major legal and political flashpoint. Revolves around appointments made under the now-defunct Revised Employment Policy of 2003.

The High Court’s direction comes amid fresh allegations of financial irregularities in salary payments. It made to the terminated teachers, even after their appointments were struck down.

Background of the Controversy

The recruitment of 10,323 teachers under the 2003 policy was declared unconstitutional by the High Court in 2014. The Supreme Court upheld this decision in 2017. Resulting in the termination of the teachers. However, many of them were later re-engaged in various capacitie. Raising fresh questions about the legality of such moves.

The court now wants the government to clarify under what provisions these reappointments were made and whether due process was followed.

Court Seeks Transparency

During Friday’s hearing, the division bench headed by Chief Justice Arindam Lodh asked the state’s legal counsel to submit a detailed affidavit explaining the rationale behind continuing engagements or appointments of the teachers despite the original recruitment being declared invalid.

The court also raised concerns over public funds being used to pay salaries to individuals whose appointments were not legally sanctioned.

“The financial burden on the state exchequer and the legality of these payments must be clarified. The government cannot act in violation of constitutional principles,” the bench stated.

Salary Irregularities Under Scrutiny

According to reports presented in court, several of the terminated teachers had received salary disbursements after their termination dates. This has sparked a debate on whether there was a violation of government financial rules.

The issue is now being linked to larger administrative lapses within the Education Department. Sources said an internal audit has already been initiated by the Directorate of School Education.

The High Court has also asked the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) to assist. In reviewing these financial transactions, if required.

Government’s Stand

The state government has so far maintained that the teachers were re-engaged based on humanitarian grounds and essential service needs, especially in rural and tribal regions where staffing shortages persist.

However, legal experts argue that such actions may not stand judicial scrutiny if they are not backed by a new policy framework or recruitment norms.

A senior government official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said,

“We will respond to the High Court’s queries in full compliance with the legal process. A review is already underway.”

Political Fallout

The issue has triggered fresh political debates in Tripura, especially ahead of the upcoming local body elections. Opposition parties have accused the ruling dispensation of bypassing constitutional norms and playing vote-bank politics.

Former Chief Minister Manik Sarkar criticised the present government, saying,

“The BJP is misusing administrative power and legal loopholes to accommodate politically favoured individuals. This needs to stop.”

The ruling BJP, on the other hand, has blamed the previous Left government for the flawed employment policy, saying the current government is only trying to manage a legacy crisis.

What’s Next?

The Tripura High Court has given the state government two weeks to submit its affidavit. Along with records of financial disbursements made to the 10,323 teachers post-termination.

Further hearings are expected in July.

Call to Action

Stay updated on the Tripura terminated teachers case by following official updates from the Tripura High Court website and credible news portals like The Hindu and LiveLaw.

This case could reshape future employment policy frameworks in Tripura and serve as a precedent for state hiring practices across India.

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