Pune: MPSC Protest At Alka Chowk Called Off On Fifth Day After HC Urges Students To Return To Studies

On Wednesday, the fifth day of an MPSC protest at Alka Chowk in Pune, the demonstration was called off by the Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) students. The Bombay High Court intervened, urging the protesting students to return to their studies and focus on their futures. The court assured the students that their grievances would be addressed through the judicial process.

The agitation was spearheaded by Ajinath Kedar. Upon the court's hearing, Kedar decided to withdraw the protest. Kedar emphasized that the protest was for the students and their future. He stated that the court had now acknowledged their grievances and that they should respect the court's appeal, returning to their studies, preparing for exams, and giving their best.

The court, while considering a petition from Pune residents Amit Balu Supekar and Sourabh Prabhakar Virkar, noted that the protesting students were not anti-social elements. They highlighted the government's duty to ensure fair examinations and prevent malpractices. Supekar, who attended the hearing, acknowledged the court recognized the students' genuine grievances and the government's responsibility to restore their trust in the examination system.

However, the court also emphasized that the students' careers should not suffer, and they should return to their colleges and studies.

The court directed the state to submit a roadmap within three weeks and set the matter for further hearing on November 25. The petition, filed by Supekar, Virkar, and others, demanded action against simultaneous protests at SM Joshi Bridge, Alka Talkies Chowk, Ahilya Study Centre, and a designated space for public agitations in Pune. The Alka Talkies Chowk agitation began on October 3, and the petition argued that the protests were impacting city traffic and daily life.

With the withdrawal of the Alka Chowk protest, Kedar indicated that the focus would shift back to examinations. He assured the students that they would return to their studies, give their best in the examination, and address their concerns.