HC relief for 313 GTA teachers, cancellation or regularisation stayed
Times of India | 25 December 2025
Kolkata/Darjeeling: The Jalpaiguri circuit bench of Calcutta High Court on Wednesday granted a 12-week interim stay on the cancellation of regularisation of 313 voluntary teachers in schools run by Gorkha Territorial Administration (GTA), holding prima facie that the alleged irregularities were "bereft of malicious intent or corrupt practices".
On Dec 17, a single-judge bench of Justice Biswajit Basu had ordered the cancellation, saying that all these regularisations were made illegally.
The order was challenged by the GTA before a division bench of justices Tapabrata Chakraborty and Biswaroop Chowdhury.
The division bench observed that the teachers had rendered long years of service and that the alleged irregularities did not indicate corruption. "The single judge had focused too rigidly on the initial terms of appointment, overlooking the prevailing political unrest in the hills and the suspension of the 1997 Act governing the West Bengal School Service Commission (hill region) from Sept 5, 2003," it held.
GTA's counsel submitted that the Gorkhaland movement had led to a complete breakdown of law and order in the hill areas, bringing regular teacher recruitment to a halt. In the absence of recruitment, schools became dependent on voluntary and temporary teachers—local educated individuals who rendered self-service.
The division bench also noted that before the appointment of the 313 teachers, about 100 similarly placed teachers were appointed pursuant to court orders, while around 439 were approved through a cabinet decision.
Following the court stay order, GTA chief executive Anit Thapa described it as a moment of relief and vindication for the affected educators. The leader said the development ensured protection of their jobs, salaries, and service-related benefits.
"Chief minister Mamata Banerjee personally called soon after the stay order was issued and conveyed her best wishes to the teachers," said Thapa.
"I was anxious that the stay order might get delayed. My concern was about your salaries and leave," he added, addressing the teachers. Thapa cautioned them against reacting aggressively to criticism on social media.
"Arrogance will only invite more attacks. Do not provoke others, but if someone tries to harm you, do not remain silent either," he said.