The Assam government has announced plans to move the Supreme Court against the Gauhati High Court’s recent directive to reinstate 52 civil service officials dismissed for their alleged involvement in the Assam Public Service Commission (APSC) cash-for-jobs scam.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma described the High Court’s ruling as “painful and disappointing,” asserting that it undermines the state’s ongoing efforts to ensure merit-based recruitment in public services.
🧾 Background: The APSC Recruitment Scam
The controversy stems from the 2013 and 2014 batches of the Combined Competitive Examination (CCE) conducted by APSC. The scam, which surfaced in 2016, led to the arrest of over 70 individuals, including former APSC chairman Rakesh Kumar Paul. Investigations revealed widespread manipulation of answer scripts and bribery in the selection process.
As a result, 57 officials across administrative, police, and allied services were dismissed. However, on June 21, the Gauhati High Court ordered the reinstatement of 52 of them, citing that they had completed their probation period. The court allowed the state to withhold work assignments for 30 days and initiate departmental inquiries, but mandated reinstatement within 50 days.
🏛️ CM Sarma: “We Will Fight Till the End”
Speaking at an International Yoga Day event in Baksa, CM Sarma said:
“We will definitely appeal before the Supreme Court. We will fight till the very end to ensure that no one who obtained a government job through fraudulent means is allowed to return to service.”
He emphasized that the judgment comes at a time when the government is striving to uphold transparency and integrity in recruitment processes.
🔍 Legal and Political Implications
The case is expected to set a precedent on how Indian courts balance due process with the need to cleanse public institutions of corruption. The Assam government has already introduced stricter oversight mechanisms in recruitment and is determined to uphold public trust in civil services.
Stay tuned for legal updates from the apex court.
