Shillong: The Meghalaya High Court has directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to determine whether it will proceed with examining all witnesses or present a shortened list in the ongoing 2008-09 teacher recruitment scam case, which involves a serving state minister. The directive comes amid concerns over the rapidly expanding witness list, which reportedly grew from 162 to over 400—a claim that the Deputy Solicitor General could not confirm during the hearing.
Chief Justice IP Mukerji reiterated an earlier court order from December 9, 2024, stating that reducing the witness list would serve the ends of justice and facilitate the early conclusion of the trial. The case revolves around allegations of illegally manipulating and subverting the selection and appointment process of assistant teachers in lower primary schools across Meghalaya in 2008-09. Three individuals, including a current minister, are accused, though the minister maintains that the charge sheet does not disclose any offense.
So far, 21 prosecution witnesses have been examined, with the trial court scheduling further testimonies from March 3 to 7, 2025. However, the High Court has ordered that after examining witnesses currently “in the box,” further testimonies should be put on hold until the CBI finalizes its decision regarding the witness list. Additionally, the court will hear applications from both the accused and the CBI under Section 482 of the Criminal Procedure Code on March 11, 2025, seeking to quash the criminal proceedings.
The case (PS Case No. 62(07)2011) involves charges under Sections 120B, 167, 466, 408, and 34 of the Indian Penal Code. The High Court had previously entrusted the investigation to the CBI, and its latest directive aims to streamline the trial process while ensuring justice is served efficiently.
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