BPSC Controversy Reaches Supreme Court: Petition Filed Demanding Cancellation of Preliminary Exam

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): The controversy surrounding the BPSC (Bihar Public Service Commission) has now reached the Supreme Court with a petition filed demanding the cancellation of the preliminary exam. On Saturday, a petition was filed in the Supreme Court accusing widespread malpractice in the exam and calling for its cancellation. The petition also demands action against the officers (SP and DM) responsible for the police lathi-charge on protesting students.

The primary demand in the petition is for the Supreme Court to issue an order for the cancellation of the exam, citing extensive malpractice. The petitioners have also called for an impartial investigation into the allegations of cheating with a request for a CBI inquiry under the leadership of a retired Supreme Court judge. In addition, the petition includes a demand for action against the officers responsible for the lathi-charge on protesting students, to prevent such incidents in the future. The petitioners have urged the Supreme Court for an expedited hearing with the possibility of a hearing on January 7. Irregularities in the December 13 Exam It is noteworthy that irregularities were detected during the BPSC PT exam held on December 13, 2024 at the Bapu exam center in Patna, leading the commission to cancel the exam at that center. As a result, the exam is being re-conducted at 22 centers in Patna today.

Prashant Kishore's Hunger Strike and Allegations

The student protests are being led by Prashant Kishore, the head of Jan Suraj who has been on an indefinite hunger strike for the fourth day today. He has accused the exam of being marred by corruption, claiming that "seats are being sold." He stated that while 15,000 students were supposed to appear for the exam, more than 3.5 lakh students have protested with reports circulating in every district and village that up to ₹30 lakh to ₹1.5 crore are being demanded for a single job. He has called on the government to respond to these allegations. Prashant Kishore affirmed that his hunger strike would continue and that he would continue his work, urging the government to focus on theirs. He criticized Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, alleging that the CM is only interested in staying in power and does not care about the people.