The Supreme Court on Friday granted regular bail to former Trinamool Congress youth leader Kuntal Ghosh in connection with a CBI case linked to the West Bengal primary school recruitment scam. Ghosh had been in custody for 19 months, with the trial showing no signs of concluding soon.
A bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan observed, “It is not likely that the trial will be completed in the foreseeable near future.” The court emphasised the delay in proceedings as a significant factor in granting bail.
Advocate M.S. Khan, representing Ghosh, submitted orders from the trial court to argue that the investigation is far from over, as the CBI has yet to file its final charge sheet in the corruption case.
As part of the bail conditions, the court directed Ghosh to remain within West Bengal unless he obtains prior permission from the court or the investigating agency. Additionally, Ghosh is barred from holding any public posts or making media statements related to the case’s investigation.
The Calcutta High Court had earlier granted conditional bail to Ghosh on November 20 in a separate Enforcement Directorate (ED) case linked to the same recruitment scam. Ghosh was arrested by the ED on January 21, 2023, for alleged money laundering and by the CBI on February 20, 2023, in the corruption case related to irregularities in the recruitment process.
The scam pertains to allegations of corruption and money laundering in the recruitment of teachers for West Bengal primary schools. Ghosh, identified as one of the prime accused, faces scrutiny from both the ED and the CBI.
This bail order highlights the court’s concern over prolonged custody without significant progress in the trial. However, it also underscores strict restrictions on Ghosh to prevent interference with the ongoing investigation.
