Pune, 9th October 2026: Police have denied permission for the ongoing sit-in protest by Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) aspirants near SM Joshi Bridge, close to Patrakar Bhavan. The police have directed the protesters to vacate the area immediately, stating that applications to hold demonstrations at designated alternative locations would be considered.
MPSC aspirants began the protest without obtaining prior permission from the police. Following the denial of permission, police issued notices to 51 students and 29 private coaching class and study centre operators who allegedly provided direct or indirect support to the agitation.
The students are protesting against various decisions of the commission and demanding improvements in the examination system, transparency in recruitment and accountability in the commission’s functioning. Police said the organisers had been instructed not to continue the demonstration without the necessary permission, but the protest continued.
The protesters submitted another application seeking permission on Wednesday, October 7. However, the police rejected the request, citing the preventive orders in force within Pune city police limits and the absence of the required authorisation.
The police also referred to statements made during the protest threatening to shut down Pune. They said written and verbal instructions had already been issued regarding the unauthorised demonstration.
The decision also refers to the Bombay High Court hearing on October 7 concerning the MPSC protest. According to the police order, the court emphasised that demonstrations should not obstruct traffic on public roads, bridges or other public places. The police said protests must be conducted lawfully after obtaining permission from the relevant authorities.
While directing the protesters to clear the existing site, Pune Police said they would positively consider applications to hold demonstrations near the Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar statue or at a designated location behind the District Collector’s Office.
The students can apply for permission to protest at these alternative venues, subject to the applicable conditions. The police have maintained that any demonstration must comply with legal requirements and must not disrupt public movement.