West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday expressed her strong disagreement with the Supreme Court's ruling that invalidated the appointments of 25,753 teachers and other staff in state-run schools. While asserting her respect for the judiciary, she stated that she could not accept the judgment from a "humanitarian perspective."

Addressing a press conference at the state secretariat, Banerjee said, "I respect the judge and the judiciary, but as a citizen of this country, I have every right to an opinion. I cannot accept this verdict." However, she assured that her government would abide by the court's order while exploring all legal options.

The Supreme Court bench, comprising Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar, upheld the Calcutta High Court's April 22, 2024, decision, which annulled the appointments and directed the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government to conduct a fresh selection process within three months.

Banerjee emphasized that the School Service Commission (SSC) is an autonomous body, and the state government will not interfere in its functioning. "If the court has set a three-month deadline for fresh appointments, we will comply," she said.