Mumbai, Oct 5: Responding to escalating protests by competitive examination aspirants, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday formally recommended that Governor Jishnu Dev Varma constitute a high-level inquiry panel to initiate proceedings against current and former members and chairpersons of the Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) under Article 317 of the Constitution.

The Chief Minister proposed that a committee headed by a retired High Court judge investigate the allegations and submit a comprehensive report within three months to determine subsequent action.

CM Fadnavis highlighted that removing MPSC officials, who hold constitutional posts, requires a strict procedure.

Under Article 317, removal can only take place following a formal inquiry and subsequent action involving the President of India and the Supreme Court.

Following assurances given during discussions between the Chief Minister and a delegation of student representatives, MPSC Secretary Mahendra Harpalkar has been officially relieved of his duties.

Agitation intensified across Pune after a paper leak was confirmed in the Drug Inspector examination conducted by the MPSC for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Investigations revealed that three candidates had directly benefited from the leak. All three candidates and several alleged accomplices have since been arrested.

Aspirants led by MLA Rohit Pawar have been protesting at multiple locations in Pune, demanding the immediate resignation of MPSC Chairman Vivek Bhimanwar, who assumed office in early 2026.

The demonstrations also reflect ongoing student concerns regarding the examination pattern, particularly the issue of multiple-choice questions versus descriptive formats, as well as broader questions of administrative accountability.

Students have been demanding the resignation of the MPSC chairperson, with opposition parties extending full support to the protest movement.

The movement now appears to have achieved a breakthrough with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’ formal recommendation to Governor Jishnu Dev Varma.

Meanwhile, amid the ongoing controversies surrounding MPSC examinations, Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad publicly criticised his own government on Sunday.

Making serious allegations against the MPSC Board, he demanded that the board itself be dissolved.

He also said that he would hand over his evidence and a formal letter directly to the Chief Minister.

The state government’s latest measures aim to restore candidates’ trust by establishing a time-bound, independent judicial inquiry into the commission’s administrative functioning.

Mumbai, Oct 5: National Commission for Women Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar on Monday began a visit to Maharashtra, looking forward to interacting with working women and discussing issues related to empowerment and security.

Her single-day visit kicked off with an awareness programme with employees of a private bank on the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 (POSH Act), according to a statement.

She later visited the Tata Institute of Social Sciences and led consultations on state-specific laws with Maharashtra State Women Commission officials.

Discussions with the Mumbai Police Commissioner on women’s safety were also scheduled at the Commissionerate Office, the statement said.

On Sunday, Rahatkar attended and gave away prizes at the state-level inter-collegiate debate competition organised by Manikchand Pahade Law College of the Marathwada Legal and General Education Society in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, said a statement.

The topic of the competition was: “Gen Z’s Path is Conducive to Transformation.” On this occasion, she interacted with the students, participants, and faculty members of the college.

While sharing her thoughts on the competition’s topic, the NCW Chairperson said, “India is passing through a phase of transformation today, and in this journey, the youth class is not merely a spectator. The youth are India’s largest stakeholders, India’s greatest strength, and the most important force that will bring the dream of a developed India into reality.”

“Therefore, let there be confidence in your minds, but along with that, let there also be humility. Acquire knowledge, but along with that, nurture curiosity as well. Have the courage to firmly express your opinions; but also maintain the patience to listen to others’ opinions,” she said.

“And most importantly, know your rights, be aware of your duties, and have faith in our Constitution. Because India’s future is not shaped only in Parliament; India’s future is also shaped in the classrooms of universities and colleges. These students of today will be the lawyers, judges, researchers, administrators, policymakers, and citizens who will lead society tomorrow,” said Rahatkar.

In a message on X, she said, “The students’ ideas, values and faith in the Constitution will therefore play a crucial role in shaping the journey towards a Viksit Bharat.”

Mumbai: The Mumbai Police have registered a case against the organizers of the ‘Garjana Morcha’ (Roaring Rally), which was held without permission at Azad Maidan near the BMC headquarters. The protest, organized by Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray and MNS chief Raj Thackeray, saw the participation of party workers from across Mumbai and the state. During the event, demands were raised to cancel the FIR, and Raj Thackeray—in his address—termed the FIR itself illegal; he also proposed a boycott of the elections. The Mumbai Police have registered the case under Sections 223, 189, and 190 of the BNS. Authorities stated that the case was filed due to the unlawful assembly of a crowd. The Azad Maidan Police have initiated an investigation into the matter, and the case has been registered against the organizers as well as other leaders. A case must be registered for an illegal protest: Nitesh Rane
Following the police case registered after the Azad Maidan protest, BJP leader and minister Nitesh Rane stated that filing a case for an unauthorized, illegal protest is mandatory because the Constitution of Babasaheb Ambedkar prevails here. He alleged that the protest was held for “Vote Jihad.” Furthermore, in a vitriolic outburst, Rane noted that Aaditya Thackeray was absent from the protest organized by Uddhav and Raj Thackeray; claiming Aaditya knew action would be taken against him and might flee, Rane demanded that his passport be confiscated.