Kolkata, April 17 -- West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday expressed relief after the Supreme Court- keeping students' interests in mind - ruled that assistant teachers who were not 'tainted' but lost their jobs following an earlier court order can continue teaching.

"We are relieved that the Supreme Court has given us time till December 31. We were really worried about the salary of the teachers but in this present condition they will continue to get their salary. We had also talked about an alternative way," the chief minister said in a press conference at the state secretariat.

"I had said that we would ensure those who lost their jobs do not face any hardship. We have gained some time. The matter won't drag on until 2...