- 🔴 The West Bengal Government has formed the "Commission on Institutional Corruption" via a gazette notification on July 13, 2026.
- 🔴 Retired Calcutta High Court Judge, Justice Biswajit Basu, will chair the independent inquiry panel.
- 🔴 The probe covers alleged financial irregularities across all departments from 2011 to May 2026, including Amphan, PMAY, and school education.
- 🔴 The Commission possesses the powers of a civil court and can recommend the immediate filing of FIRs against offenders.
State Government Orders Sweeping Judicial Probe Into 15 Years of Alleged Irregularities
KOLKATA: In a sweeping move to address widespread public concern, the Government of West Bengal has constituted an independent Judicial Enquiry Commission to investigate allegations of institutional corruption across state departments between 2011 and May 2026. The extraordinary gazette notification, issued by the Home and Hill Affairs Department on Monday, July 13, 2026, confirms that retired Calcutta High Court judge, Hon'ble Justice Biswajit Basu, will lead the comprehensive probe.
The newly formed Commission on Institutional Corruption in West Bengal has been empowered under the Commission of Inquiry Act, 1952. It is tasked with examining alleged malpractices, extortion, and financial irregularities in high-profile public welfare schemes, municipal sectors, healthcare, and the state education system.
Scope of the Investigation: Major Schemes Under the Scanner
According to Notification No. 104-COI/PL/O/44C-10/26, the Commission will thoroughly investigate complaints of bribery and misuse of funds connected directly or indirectly with both State and Central Government projects. The key areas of focus include:
- Disaster Management: Relief funds distributed during Cyclone Amphan.
- Housing & Rural Development: Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) and the 100 days' work scheme (MGNREGA).
- Education: Irregularities in primary, secondary, higher secondary, college, and university administration, alongside the Mid-Day Meal scheme.
- Healthcare: Corruption in medical institutions and medical education.
- Public Employment: Unauthorized malpractices in contractual employment across state offices.
- Infrastructure & Land: Illegal constructions compromising municipal laws, PWD projects, and land administration in the GTA area.
Composition of the Commission
To ensure a rigorous and multi-faceted investigation, the Commission will be supported by senior administrative and police officials.
| Role | Appointee Profile |
|---|---|
| Chairman | Hon'ble Justice Biswajit Basu (Retired Judge, Calcutta High Court) |
| Head of Investigating Wing | One Senior IPS Officer |
| Head of Administrative Wing / Member Secretary | One IAS / WBCS Officer |
| Technical Expert | One Officer from West Bengal Revenue Service (WBRS) |
Powers Vested in the Commission
The Justice Biswajit Basu-led panel will not act as a mere advisory body. Under sections 4, 5, 5A, and 5B of the Commission of Enquiry Act, 1952, the panel will exercise the powers of a civil court. This allows the Commission to:
- Summon and enforce the attendance of any person, and examine them on oath.
- Require the discovery and production of any relevant documents.
- Receive evidence on affidavits.
- Requisition any public record from any court or office.
- Recommend the prompt filing of FIRs by police authorities if severe anomalies are detected.
Furthermore, the Commission has the authority to propose steps for the recovery of misappropriated funds, including the attachment of properties acquired through corrupt practices.
Exclusions and Limitations
While the scope is vast, the state government has clearly defined the Commission's boundaries to prevent jurisdictional overlaps. The gazette states that the Commission shall not act as a substitute for statutory investigation agencies. It will also not consider cases or complaints currently under the cognizance of other Statutory Commissions or those already being investigated by Central Investigation Agencies (such as the CBI or ED).
Why This Matters for West Bengal
This development comes against the backdrop of several ongoing investigations into alleged state-level scams, particularly regarding school recruitment and municipal hiring. By instituting a state-appointed judicial commission covering the entirety of the current administration's tenure since 2011, the government is establishing a localized, high-powered mechanism to scrutinize systemic flaws, address public grievances, and potentially hold public servants and their associates accountable for administrative excesses.
The Commission will accept testimonies and complaints from any person, ensuring public participation in rooting out corruption. It is mandated to submit periodic reports containing findings and recommendations directly to the State Government.
This is a developing story. BytesToday will provide further updates as the Commission sets up its investigative and administrative offices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is heading the new West Bengal corruption inquiry commission?
The commission is chaired by Hon'ble Justice Biswajit Basu, a retired judge of the Calcutta High Court.
What is the time frame of the investigations?
The Commission will investigate allegations of institutional corruption that occurred between the year 2011 and May 2026.
Which major schemes are under the scanner?
Key areas include Cyclone Amphan rehabilitation, PMAY, 100 days work (MGNREGA), the Mid-Day Meal scheme, public employment, and the education and healthcare sectors.
Does the Commission have the power to arrest people?
While it does not make direct arrests, it holds the powers of a civil court. It can summon individuals, demand documents, and recommend the prompt filing of FIRs by police authorities.
Will this commission interfere with CBI or ED probes?
No. The gazette explicitly states that the Commission will not consider cases already under investigation by Central Investigation Agencies or other Statutory Commissions.
Can ordinary citizens file complaints with the Commission?
Yes. The notification mandates that the Commission shall receive and examine complaints from any person and ensure they are properly taken up for scrutiny.
Will stolen public money be recovered?
The Commission has the authority to propose steps to recover misappropriated funds, which may even include the attachment of properties acquired through corruption.
Who issued the official gazette notification?
The notification was issued by Sanghamitra Ghosh, IAS, Principal Secretary to the Government of West Bengal & Home Secretary, by order of the Governor.
