Archive · 7 Oct 2026
Bombay High Court Seeks Roadmap for Fair MPSC Exams
Students in Pune are protesting because they are worried that MPSC exams may not have been fair.
The Bombay High Court said students can protest when they believe something is wrong.
It also said the government must make recruitment exams fair and free from cheating or other problems.
The court asked the government to explain how it will address the students’ concerns.
It urged the students to return to their studies and avoid making daily life difficult for Pune residents.
The state said police had not filed cases against the protesters.
Reports differ about how many student demands the state has accepted and whether a recommendation about the MPSC chairman has already been sent to the Governor.
The state has three weeks to give the court its plan.
The next hearing is scheduled for November 25.
The Bombay High Court said MPSC protesters are students with a right to agitate over suspected exam irregularities, not anti-social elements.
The court said Maharashtra must ensure public recruitment exams are impartial, fair and free of malpractice, and work to restore trust.
The bench urged students to end or relocate their Pune protest, return to studies and avoid disrupting residents’ daily lives.
The state said police had not filed FIRs against protesters; reports differ on whether three or most demands were accepted and on the status of a recommendation concerning the MPSC chairman.
The court ordered the state to submit a roadmap and report within three weeks, with the next hearing set for November 25.
- Who
- The Bombay High Court, MPSC exam protesters, the Maharashtra government and Pune residents who filed the petition.
- What
- The court recognized students’ right to protest, urged them to return to studies and ordered the state to provide a roadmap addressing exam concerns.
- When
- The court made its statements on Wednesday; the next hearing is scheduled for November 25.
- Where
- The protests are in Pune, and the case was heard by the Bombay High Court.
- Why
- Students are protesting alleged MPSC exam malpractices and other examination-related concerns; Pune residents’ petition cited disruption and traffic congestion.
Students and Protesters
State and Petitioners’ Concerns
Protest and exam concerns
Students and Protesters
Students cite alleged exam irregularities and related concerns; the court said aggrieved students have a right to protest.
State and Petitioners’ Concerns
The state said most or three of the four major demands had been addressed. The court urged students to return to their studies while it reviews the state’s response.
Protest location and disruption
Students and Protesters
Two organisers said they would relocate if Pune authorities provided a place; another organiser said the agitation would be withdrawn.
State and Petitioners’ Concerns
Pune residents’ petition cited traffic congestion and disruption, and sought designated protest sites and action over unauthorised use of public spaces. The court asked protesters not to cause hardship to residents.
MPSC chairman resignation
Students and Protesters
Protesters are seeking the MPSC chairman’s resignation amid allegations of examination irregularities.
State and Petitioners’ Concerns
The state said the matter is governed by a prescribed procedure. Reports differ on whether a recommendation had already been sent to the Governor or would be forwarded.
- Bench
- Chief Justice Mahesh Chandra Tripathi and Justice Advait Sethna
- Court deadline
- The state must submit a roadmap and report within three weeks.
- Next hearing
- November 25
- Police response
- The Advocate General said no FIRs had been registered against protesters.
- Demands cited
- One report says three of four major demands were accepted: recruitment for around 70,000 posts, Rs 100 exam fees and offline exams. Another says most demands were met.
- MPSC chairman
- Reports differ on whether a recommendation concerning the chairman’s resignation had already been sent to the Governor or was still to be forwarded under the prescribed procedure.
- Protest arrangements
- One organiser said the agitation would be withdrawn; two others said they would relocate if Pune authorities provided a site.
Sources
Students, Not Anti-Social Elements: Bombay HC On MPSC Protesters
‘Protesters are students, not anti-social elements’: Bombay HC urges end Pune agitation, resume studies
HC Tells Maharashtra To Ensure Fair MPSC Exams
Bombay HC Says MPSC Protesters Are Not Anti-Social, Seeks Roadmap For Fair Exams
