An outer view of Bombay High Court. File
| Photo Credit: The Hindu
The Bombay High Court on Wednesday (October 7, 2026) asked the Maharashtra government to take steps to restore the trust of students protesting over the recruitment process managed by the Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC), and requested them to return to their studies. A Division Bench of Chief Justice Mahesh Chandra Tripathi and Justice Advait Sethna, hearing a petition about inconvenience caused to citizens in Pune, said the matter was before the court and the State must respond in writing.
Protests by students had blocked roads in Pune and caused inconvenience to citizens, the petition said. The students sought changes in the MPSC examination and recruitment process.
The State told the court that the students had demands. The State said it had accepted the demand to set the fee at ₹100, and the demand to hold examinations in person. It had sent a representation to the Governor on the demand that the MPSC Chairperson’s resignation, the State said.
The court noted that vacancies in government jobs ran to thousands. Students alleged that exams were not held in accordance with procedure, and papers were leaked. When students protested, it meant their grievances needed attention, the court said. The students were in Pune to secure an education and were not against the nation, the court said, adding that the State should take steps to restore trust.
The court asked the State to provide details in writing on the recruitment process, and on the vacancies in various departments. It issued notice to the State, and asked it to file an affidavit.
The court also requested the students to resume their studies. If they wanted to protest, they must seek permission and find a place that was not a road, it said. No inconvenience should be caused to citizens, it said. The matter was before it and it would ensure a response from the State, the court said, examining how the State dealt with the issue.
Recruitment should be held at pace, the court said. Students should have a chance to appear in exams. Parents who send their children to Pune faced worries, it said, adding that the careers of students should not be affected.
The State said the police had shown restraint.
Advocate-General Milind Sathe told the court that a First Information Report would affect careers of students.
Students are not against the nation, the court said, adding that the State should consider the position of parents.
The court called for peace, and said not adverse message on Pune, a centre of education, should go across the country. requested the parties to maintain peace.
It asked students to join classes, and seek permission for protests, without inconveniencing citizens. The court posted the matter for a later date.
Published – October 07, 2026 10:19 pm IST
