The Gauhati High Court’s directive to reinstate 52 civil service officials embroiled in the infamous APSC cash-for-job scam has sent ripples through Assam’s political landscape, triggering a sharp exchange between Raijor Dal MLA Akhil Gogoi and Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. While Gogoi accused the BJP government of a deliberate cover-up, Sarma expressed “pain” over the verdict and pledged to appeal to the Supreme Court.
The High Court’s division bench, in its ruling, mandated the reinstatement of 52 officers terminated for alleged irregularities in the 2013–14 Combined Competitive Examination conducted by the Assam Public Service Commission, provided they had successfully completed their probation period. The court highlighted significant procedural oversights, including the absence of show-cause notices and departmental enquiries, as core reasons for invalidating the terminations. The judgment allows the government 50 days for reinstatement and grants a 30-day window to initiate fresh departmental proceedings if deemed necessary.
Akhil Gogoi, reacting vociferously, launched a scathing broadside against the Himanta Biswa Sarma-led BJP government, attributing the verdict to what he termed as “deliberate mishandling” by the administration. “This is not just procedural failure—this is inherited corruption,” Gogoi declared, alleging that individuals close to the Chief Minister were beneficiaries of the manipulated recruitment process. He accused the government of intentionally flouting principles of natural justice. “Was the Advocate General not aware that a show-cause notice is mandatory? If the government wasn’t advised properly, why hasn’t he been removed?” he questioned, demanding the Chief Minister’s resignation and claiming that the government’s reluctance to dissolve the 2013–14 batch, despite the Biplab Sharma Committee finding nearly 90% of appointments fraudulent, was proof of political protection. “The reason is clear: those close to the top were involved. A guilty government cannot conduct a fair investigation,” he asserted.
Responding to the escalating controversy from a Yoga Day event in Baksa, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma described the verdict as deeply disappointing and confirmed his government’s intention to challenge it in the Supreme Court. “The judgement by the division bench on the APSC matter is painful and has led to disappointment for us,” Sarma told reporters, emphasising that it came at a time when the Assam government was taking strong measures to ensure merit-based recruitment. While admitting he hadn’t yet scrutinised the complete judgment, he characterised the reported conclusions as “unfortunate” and “contrary to the spirit of clean governance.” “We will definitely appeal before the Supreme Court. Until the last moment, we will ensure that no one who got their job through corrupt means is reinstated,” Sarma affirmed, reiterating his government’s unwavering stance on zero tolerance for corruption.
The cash-for-jobs scam, which came to light in 2016, resulted in the arrests of over 70 individuals, including former APSC chairman Rakesh Kumar Paul and 57 officers from the tainted 2013–14 batch. Initial actions, including suspensions and dismissals, were undertaken during the tenure of former Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal. As Assam prepares to escalate the case to the Supreme Court, the focus remains squarely on the intricate legalities and the high political stakes. While the High Court underscored procedural justice, opposition voices allege intentional lapses aimed at shielding powerful insiders. The government, conversely, maintains its commitment to a clean system. With 52 officers now potentially facing reinstatement and the state bracing for a significant legal confrontation in the apex court, the APSC scam, one of Assam’s most prominent recruitment scandals, has once again become a critical point of contention in the ongoing discourse on governance, accountability, and political integrity.
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