MPSC Protest Pune: Students Have Right to Agitate, But Should Resume Studies, Says Bombay HC

Pune, 7th October 2026: MPSC aspirants have the right to protest and should not be treated as “anti-social”, the Bombay High Court said on Wednesday while hearing a petition challenging the ongoing students’ agitation in Pune. The court, however, urged the protesters to withdraw the agitation and return to their studies.

The court directed the state government to make sincere efforts to restore students’ confidence in the Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) and ensure that every candidate gets a fair and equal opportunity in the recruitment process.

The court observed that Pune is a major educational hub and that students coming to the city primarily come to pursue education, not protests. It said if students believe examinations are not being conducted properly, their concerns must be addressed and the government should assure them that examinations will be conducted in a fair and transparent manner without malpractice.

The court also questioned the government over its plans to fill around 70,000 vacant posts and directed it to present, within three weeks, a roadmap for carrying out the recruitment process.

“Students are not anti-social,” the court observed, stressing that criminal cases and FIRs could adversely affect their careers. It appreciated the police for maintaining restraint during the protests.

The court said students have a right to protest if they believe they are being denied opportunities or that irregularities have occurred in the examination process, given the time and effort they invest in preparing for competitive exams.

At the same time, the court urged students to trust the judicial process and return to colleges and universities. It also appealed to political leaders supporting the agitation to encourage students to resume their studies.

The court said the investigation into alleged irregularities would be examined in detail and that it would look into who was responsible and what action had been taken by investigating agencies.

On the issue of protests affecting public movement, the court said students could protest after obtaining the necessary permission and at an appropriate designated location.

One group of protesters informed the court that it would withdraw its agitation. Lawyers representing students protesting near Ahilya Library, meanwhile, agreed to continue the protest at a location designated by the authorities.

The matter will next be heard on November 25.