Pune Police Issue Notices to 51 Students, 29 Coaching Operators Over Ongoing MPSC Protest, Warn of Legal Action
Pune, 6th October 2026: Police have termed the ongoing protests against the functioning of the Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) at three locations in the city illegal and warned that criminal cases will be registered against those continuing the agitation without permission.
Police commissioner Amitesh Kumar said permission for the protests had been denied, yet some people continued to participate. Notices have been issued to 29 coaching class and study-room operators and 51 students in connection with the agitation.
The protests by competitive exam aspirants have been underway for the past four days, with students demanding various changes in the MPSC’s functioning, including the resignation of its chairman. The protests are being held near S M Joshi Bridge, Tilak Chowk and Shastri Road.
Police said organisers had been instructed not to hold the protests without the required permission, but the agitation continued. Political leaders and people from different fields have also been visiting the protest sites.
Police personnel have been deployed to prevent any law-and-order situation, while footage from the protest sites and details of instructions issued to organisers are being collected. Based on the evidence, cases will be registered against those found violating the directions, Kumar said.
He said while citizens have the right to protest, prior police permission is mandatory for demonstrations in public places. Continuing an agitation after permission has been denied would invite legal action against organisers and others involved, he added.
Police have also noticed a suspected drone flying over the protest at S M Joshi Bridge. An inquiry is underway to identify its operator and determine the purpose for which it was being used.
Kumar said action would be taken if the drone was being used to record the protest or for any other unauthorised purpose. Police permission is required for drone filming, and no such permission had been obtained for the protest, officials said.
