MPSC Aspirants Have Right to Protest, But Should Return to Studies, Says Bombay High Court

Bombay High Court says MPSC aspirants have the right to protest but urges them to return to studies while asking the Maharashtra government to restore students’ confidence.

Pune: Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) aspirants have the right to protest against alleged irregularities in the examination process, but they should now return to their studies, the Bombay High Court observed while hearing a petition related to the ongoing agitation in Pune.

The court made the observations while considering concerns surrounding the protests by MPSC aspirants, who have been demanding action over alleged examination irregularities and greater transparency in the recruitment process.

‘Students Are Not Anti-Social Elements’

The Bombay High Court made it clear that students participating in the agitation should not be treated as anti-social elements.

The court noted that aspirants invest significant time and effort in preparing for competitive examinations and have the right to raise their concerns if they believe the recruitment process has been unfair or affected by irregularities.

The court also appreciated the police for maintaining restraint during the protests and observed that criminal cases or FIRs against students could adversely affect their careers.

Court Urges Students to Resume Studies

While acknowledging the students’ right to protest, the court urged the aspirants to withdraw from the agitation and return to colleges and universities.

The court said Pune is an important educational centre and that students come to the city primarily for education. It also appealed to political leaders supporting the agitation to encourage students to return to their studies.

Government Asked to Restore Students’ Confidence

The court directed the Maharashtra government to make sincere efforts to restore the confidence of MPSC aspirants in the recruitment system.

It said students’ primary concern was that examinations should be conducted fairly and transparently, without malpractice or irregularities. The government was asked to present a roadmap for filling a large number of vacant government posts within three weeks.

Probe Into Alleged Irregularities

The court also indicated that the allegations surrounding the examination process would need to be examined in detail.

It sought clarity on the investigation into the alleged irregularities, including who was responsible and what action had been taken by the investigating agencies.

The ongoing agitation has been linked to allegations of examination malpractice and demands for accountability within the MPSC recruitment system. The state government has already taken some steps, including transferring MPSC Secretary Mahendra Harpalkar, while the issue of the commission chairman’s removal remains contentious.

Court Seeks Orderly Protests

The court also addressed concerns over protests affecting public movement.

It observed that students can exercise their right to protest after obtaining the necessary permission and at an appropriate designated location. This comes amid complaints that demonstrations at locations in Pune have caused traffic disruptions and inconvenience to citizens.

One group of protesters informed the court that it would withdraw its agitation, while lawyers representing students protesting near Ahilya Library agreed to continue the protest at a location designated by the authorities. The matter is scheduled to be heard again on November 25.

What Happens Next?

The court’s observations strike a balance between the students’ right to protest and the need to ensure that public life and education are not disrupted.

For MPSC aspirants, the immediate focus is likely to remain on whether the government provides concrete assurances on examination transparency, recruitment timelines and action against those responsible for alleged irregularities.

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