Mumbai, October 5 (Daily Kiran) : Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has formally requested Governor Jagdish Mukhi to approve a judicial inquiry into the recent Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) paper leak scandal. This move comes in response to escalating protests from candidates preparing for competitive examinations.
On Monday, Fadnavis recommended the formation of a high-level investigation committee under Article 317 of the Constitution. This committee would look into the actions of current and former members and chairpersons of the MPSC. He proposed that the committee be chaired by a retired High Court judge and submit a comprehensive report within three months to determine further actions.
The Chief Minister emphasized the need for a stringent process to remove MPSC officials holding constitutional positions. Under Article 317, such officials can only be dismissed following a formal investigation, which must involve the President of India and the Supreme Court.
Following assurances from a delegation of student representatives during discussions with the Chief Minister, Mahendra Harpalkar, the secretary of MPSC, has been officially removed from his position.
Protests intensified in Pune after it was confirmed that there was a paper leak during the Drug Inspector examination conducted by the MPSC for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Investigations revealed that three candidates directly benefited from the leak, leading to their arrest along with several accomplices.
Led by MLA Rohit Pawar, candidates have staged protests at multiple locations in Pune. They are demanding the immediate resignation of MPSC Chairman Vivek Bhimanwar, who took office at the beginning of 2026. The protests reflect broader concerns among students regarding the examination pattern, particularly issues with multiple-choice questions and descriptive formats, as well as calls for administrative accountability.
The opposition parties have expressed their full support for the protests, indicating that the Chief Minister’s formal recommendation to the Governor marks a significant achievement for the movement.
In the midst of ongoing controversies surrounding MPSC examinations, Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad publicly criticized his own government on Sunday. He called for the dissolution of the MPSC board, stating he would present his evidence and a formal letter directly to the Chief Minister.
The recent actions by the state government aim to restore candidates’ trust by ensuring a time-bound, independent judicial inquiry into the commission’s administrative operations.
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