Court Questions State’s Handling of JPSC 2025 Preliminary Exam Amidst Student Protests

During a hearing on August 24, the Supreme Court scrutinized the Jharkhand state government's decision to cancel the JPSC Combined Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2025 and the subsequent High Court stay.

Petitioner’s counsel, Manan Kumar Mishra, argued that the state’s actions effectively endorsed the alleged malpractice, prompting widespread student demonstrations. He requested that the investigation be handed over either to the CBI or to a retired judge with the capacity to conduct a thorough forensic inquiry.

Chief Justice Surya Kant clarified that assigning the probe to a former judge is not feasible, as the case demands specialized forensic capabilities that only a dedicated agency can provide. The bench directed the Centre, the Jharkhand government, JPSC and other relevant bodies to file written responses.

The petition also emphasizes the need to preserve all forms of evidence – from OMR sheets to digital logs – to ensure an unbiased examination of the allegations. The Court’s notice signals a pivotal moment in resolving the long-standing controversy surrounding the JPSC exam’s integrity.