Overview
- A bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta dismissed the Centre’s special leave petition, stating it was not convinced the Calcutta High Court order required interference.
- The ruling upholds the High Court’s mandate to resume the 100‑day rural job scheme in West Bengal prospectively from August 1, 2025 after a suspension that began in 2022.
- The Centre is expected to disburse pending MGNREGA dues to the state, with the court preserving its authority to continue investigations, recover misused funds and impose state‑specific safeguards.
- Paschim Banga Khet Mazdoor Samity, the petitioner that sought resumption over non‑payment of wages, welcomed the order, while TMC leaders framed it as vindication; CPI(M) leaders also backed the outcome.
- Following the apex court’s decision, petitioners and the state sought expedited case management in the Calcutta High Court, which listed related MGNREGA matters for November 7.