Bombay HC rules that students protesting alleged MPSC exam irregularities not anti-social elements
Mumbai, Oct 7 (UNI) The Bombay High Court on Wednesday said students protesting against alleged irregularities in Maharashtra Public Service Commission examinations cannot be treated as antisocial elements and stressed that the government must ensure examinations are conducted fairly, transparently and without irregularities.
A bench of Chief Justice Mahesh Chandra Tripathi and Justice Advait Sethna said serious efforts must be made to restore public confidence, particularly among students, in the examination system. The court observed that students who feel aggrieved over alleged irregularities have a right to raise their voice and seek redress. The court was hearing a petition filed by Pune citizens concerning continuing protests by students and others in the city over alleged irregularities in MPSC examinations and controversies surrounding the examination process.
During the hearing, the bench observed that distressed students have the right to protest if they believe they have been denied an opportunity or that irregularities have occurred in an examination. The court noted that students devote considerable time to their education and examination preparation and therefore have a legitimate reason to voice their concerns. Appearing for the state government, Advocate General Milind Sathe told the court that the authorities were exercising appropriate restraint and that no FIR had been registered against any protesting student.
He said most of the demands raised by the protesting students had been accepted. Sathe told the court that one of the students' demands concerned the resignation of the MPSC chairman. He said a recommendation had been sent to the Governor in accordance with the prescribed procedure and further action in the matter was awaited. The bench appreciated the state government's decision not to register cases against the protesting students and reiterated that they should be viewed as students raising grievances rather than antisocial elements.
At the same time, the court asked the students to return to their studies now that the matter was being examined judicially. It said their confidence in the examination system needed to be restored, their grievances addressed and examinations conducted in a free, fair and transparent manner. The bench said it would examine the measures being taken by the state government and asked the students to place their trust in the court. Chief Justice Mahesh Chandra Tripathi expressed concern over the situation facing the students, observing that they were innocent youngsters who were now on the streets and that the situation could adversely affect their careers.
The court also urged the protesting students to ensure that their demonstrations did not inconvenience residents or disturb the peaceful atmosphere of the city. The High Court directed the state government to submit a roadmap and report concerning the matter within three weeks. The next hearing has been scheduled for November 25.
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