Bombay High Court Urges MPSC Students to Prioritize Studies Over Protests
The Bombay High Court has directed MPSC students to cease protests and focus on their education while criticizing the Maharashtra government.
The Bombay High Court criticized the Maharashtra government for its handling of MPSC examination issues.
Students were urged to return to their studies, with a group of 100 protesters agreeing to withdraw from the agitation.
The state government has accepted key demands, including filling 70,000 vacancies and capping exam fees.
The Bombay High Court has taken a firm stance regarding the ongoing protests by Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) students in Pune, urging them to prioritize their education over demonstrations. During a hearing on October 7, 2026, the bench, led by Chief Justice Mahesh Chandra Tripathi, expressed dissatisfaction with the protests and the state government's response to the students' grievances.
The court's remarks came after a group of protesters informed the bench that they would withdraw from the agitation, while others continued to demonstrate. The High Court emphasized that students are not anti-social elements and highlighted the challenges they face in pursuing their education. The bench ordered the Maharashtra government to present a detailed plan addressing the recruitment and examination process within three weeks, postponing the next hearing to October 25.
In its observations, the High Court pointed out the necessity for the state government to ensure transparency and fairness in the examination process, stating that any irregularities should be addressed promptly. Advocate General Milind Sathe represented the state government, confirming that key demands from the protesters, including the filling of 70,000 vacancies and limiting examination fees to ₹100, have been accepted. He also mentioned that a committee has been formed to investigate the alleged mismanagement of the MPSC examinations.
The protests, which began after candidates submitted a memorandum outlining their concerns on September 24, have caused significant disruption in Pune. Petitioners Amit Supekar and Saurabh Veerkar filed a complaint against the protests, claiming they inconvenienced the public and requested designated protest areas in the future. The court's intervention reflects a broader concern about maintaining Pune's reputation as a center for education.
Looking ahead, the High Court's directive for students to focus on their studies may lead to a reduction in protests, especially as the state government works to address the students' demands. The upcoming hearing on October 25 will be crucial in determining the future of the MPSC examination process and the students' ongoing concerns.
