In a key decision on Tuesday, the Supreme Court refused to entertain a plea alleging irregularities in the 70th Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) Preliminary Examination, advising the petitioners to approach the High Court instead. The petition, filed by Anand Legal Aid Forum Trust, also raised concerns about police excesses during protests by candidates.
A Bench led by Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna, along with Justices Sanjay Kumar and KV Viswanathan, emphasized the appropriateness of seeking recourse under Article 226 of the Constitution. “We believe it would be appropriate for the petitioner to approach the concerned High Court under Article 226,” the Bench remarked.
The petitioners contended that police action against protesting candidates, including a lathi charge near the Patna High Court Chief Justice’s residence, should have prompted suo motu action by the High Court. However, the Supreme Court dismissed this argument, with the Bench reiterating its stance against direct intervention.
The controversy stems from the Combined Competitive Examination (CCE) held on December 13, which saw over five lakh candidates appear statewide. Allegations of a question paper leak led to a boycott and protests by hundreds of candidates at Patna’s Bapu Pariksha Parisar. In response, the BPSC refuted the claims, labeling them a conspiracy to derail the process. The Commission subsequently ordered fresh exams for over 10,000 candidates at the affected center.
