Bombay HC Says State Duty-Bound To Ensure Free, Fair MPSC Exams; Urges Pune Students To End Protests

On October 7, 2026, the Bombay High Court emphasized the state's obligation to ensure that public recruitment exams, such as those for the Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC), are conducted fairly, free from malpractices, and maintain public trust. Chief Justice MC Tripathi and Justice Advait Sethna conveyed that the state bears the responsibility to restore confidence in the examination system.

While acknowledging students' right to protest unfair exam conditions, the court urged them to cease their agitation and resume their studies, particularly since the issue was now under judicial review. The court cautioned against protests causing inconvenience to Pune residents by blocking roads and disrupting daily life. The bench was hearing a petition by Pune residents Amit Supekar and Sourabh Virkar, who sought directions for designated protest sites and action against those occupying public spaces unlawfully.

The students had raised four demands, three of which were accepted by the State. The Advocate General Milind Sathe announced that the State would address the protest demands, including a massive recruitment drive, reduced examination fees, and conducting exams offline. The government pledged to forward its representation to the Governor regarding the MPSC chairman's resignation, as per established procedures.

Additionally, a committee was established to investigate the allegations of malpractices in the MPSC exams. The police adopted a restrained approach and refrained from registering FIRs against the protesting students. The court directed the State to submit a roadmap outlining the inquiry and actions taken to address the students' concerns within three weeks, with the matter to be heard again on November 25.