Guwahati: Fresh concerns have emerged over the Assam government’s handling of the APSC cash-for-jobs scam, with activists warning that procedural lapses could weaken the Justice (Retd) Biplab Kumar Sharma Commission report before the Gauhati High Court. The issue has taken centre stage in Guwahati’s legal and civic circles, raising questions about accountability in one of Assam’s biggest recruitment scandals.
APSC activist Manas Pratim Baruah, representing the forum Fight Against Injustice of APSC, said the state government failed to submit an Action Taken Report (ATR) on the Commission’s recommendations—an essential step for an inquiry report to carry legal weight.
Activists have flagged legal gaps in the Assam government’s handling of the APSC cash-for-jobs case, warning that failure to submit an Action Taken Report could weaken the Justice Sharma Commission report in the Gauhati High Court. The lapse, they say, risks undermining accountability in the 2013 recruitment scam.
Dispur Press Club Raises the Alarm
Speaking at the Dispur Press Club on Saturday, February 7, Baruah said the issue is now “shaking the corridors” of the Gauhati High Court. He cautioned that without procedural compliance, the Commission’s findings could be vulnerable to being set aside.
“The Justice Sharma Commission report is on shaky ground and could be set aside at any moment,” Baruah said, adding that such an outcome would derail accountability efforts tied to the scandal.
Background: 2013 APSC Exam Under Lens
The Justice (Retd) Biplab Kumar Sharma Commission investigated alleged widespread irregularities in the 2013 APSC civil services examination. Based on its findings, around 23 gazetted officers were suspended in 2023. These officers have since approached the Gauhati High Court, challenging both the Commission’s report and the disciplinary actions taken against them.
During hearings, counsel for the suspended officers argued that Sections 8(B) and 8(C) of the Commissions of Inquiry Act were not fully followed, claiming they were denied a fair opportunity to defend themselves.
Activists Cite Documentary Evidence
Countering these claims, Baruah said the case rests largely on documentary evidence, including allegedly forged answer scripts, inserted pages, and inflated tabulation sheets. He also questioned why departmental proceedings remain incomplete, allowing suspended officers to continue drawing 75% of their salary.
Baruah recalled that the Commission had recommended cancellation of the entire 2013 examination due to what it described as systemic corruption.
Why This Matters for Guwahati
As Assam’s judicial and administrative hub, Guwahati is central to the outcome of the case. Any dilution of the Commission’s findings at the High Court could have far-reaching implications for public trust in recruitment processes and governance in the state. Civil society groups in the city say procedural rigor is critical to ensure justice and deter future malpractice.
What Happens Next
With hearings ongoing, the High Court’s view on procedural compliance, particularly the absence of an ATR, could prove decisive. Activists warn that if the report is struck down, it would effectively close the chapter on the APSC scam, undoing years of investigation and disciplinary action.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main concern raised by activists in Guwahati?
They say the Assam government did not submit an Action Taken Report, weakening the legal standing of the Justice Sharma Commission report.
Which court is hearing challenges related to the APSC case?
The Gauhati High Court is hearing petitions filed by suspended officers.
What did the Justice Sharma Commission investigate?
It probed alleged irregularities in the 2013 APSC civil services examination.
Why is the issue significant for Assam?
The outcome could affect accountability in major recruitment scandals and public confidence in state institutions.
