Pune Police Reject Permission for MPSC Protest at SM Joshi Bridge, Ask Students to Vacate Site
Pune Police Reject Permission for MPSC Protest at SM Joshi Bridge, Ask Students to Vacate Site
Pune Police have rejected permission for the ongoing MPSC student protest at S M Joshi Bridge and directed protesters to vacate the area immediately.
Pune: Pune Police have rejected permission for the ongoing MPSC students’ protest at S M Joshi Bridge near Patrakar Bhavan and directed protesters to vacate the area immediately.
The decision comes amid continuing demonstrations by competitive examination aspirants over various issues concerning the functioning of the Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC). Police have cited concerns over traffic movement, public inconvenience and law-and-order arrangements.
Protest Permission Rejected
According to the police, the earlier permission granted for the protest was no longer valid after the proposed agitation was postponed following a meeting between Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and student representatives on September 30.
However, protesters subsequently gathered at S M Joshi Bridge on October 1 and continued the agitation without obtaining fresh permission, according to the police.
Police Direct Protesters to Vacate Area
The Pune Police have now directed the protesters to immediately vacate the S M Joshi Bridge and Patrakar Bhavan area.
Officials have also indicated that protesters can seek permission to hold their agitation at an alternative designated location. Possible venues include areas near the Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar statue or the Pune District Collector’s Office, subject to the required permissions and conditions.
Traffic and Public Convenience Cited
Police have maintained that the continued protest at the bridge and surrounding roads is affecting traffic movement and causing inconvenience to commuters and residents.
Traffic arrangements around S M Joshi Bridge and Patrakar Bhavan have already been altered amid the agitation, with authorities seeking to ensure that roads remain accessible for essential services, including ambulances and fire engines.
Action Against Unauthorised Protests
The latest decision follows police action against participants and those allegedly supporting the ongoing MPSC protests at multiple locations in Pune.
Police have previously issued notices to 51 students and 29 coaching-class and study-room operators, warning that further legal action could follow if demonstrations continue without the required permission.
Bombay High Court Also Addresses Protests
The development comes shortly after the Bombay High Court heard a petition concerning the inconvenience caused by the MPSC protests in Pune.
While recognising students’ right to protest, the court urged the aspirants to pursue their grievances through lawful means and return to their studies. The court also stressed the need to ensure fair and transparent recruitment examinations and restore students’ confidence in the MPSC process.
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The latest police order is now expected to determine the next course of action for the students protesting at S M Joshi Bridge.
